April 14, 1939 – Jan. 5, 2019

William Lockhart (Billy) Howlett, 79, of 4165 Riverneck Road, Columbia died Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Sentara-Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City.

Born in Tyrrell County, April 14, 1939, he was the son of the late Treadwell and Winifred Phelps Howlett.  He was married to the former Linda Proctor who survives.  He was owner and operator Howlett Backhoe and Bulldozer Services from 1971 until his death.

Active in his community, he was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and attended Soundside Missionary Baptist Church, served his country in U. S. Army during the Vietnam Era and upon his return served as a security guard and canine trainer at Odem Prison in Roanoke Rapids,  was a member of the American Legion Post 182.   He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, and was a family man, played football and baseball, enjoyed “hanging out” with friends at Flemz and Short Stop and enjoyed repairing small engines.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Soundside Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Stephen Duncan, will officiate.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Timothy William Howlett of Columbia; a daughter, Karen Howlett York and husband, Craig of Whitsett NC; a sister, Mary Lou Howlett of the home; five grandchildren, Kyle Brickhouse, Brittany York, Michael York, Casey Howlett and Tara Howlett; three great-grandchildren, Kaylee Brickhouse, Olivia Brickhouse and Paul Brickhouse several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Howlett was also preceded in death by a brother, James Horace “Jimmy” Howlett.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to  the American Legion Post Number 182, c/o Leroy Spivey, 271 Mills Road, Columbia NC 27925 or to Soundside Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Tonya Davenport, Treas., 177 Riverneck Road, Columbia NC 27925.

The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall at the church during the hour prior to the funeral beginning at 1 p.m. and other times at he home.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service. Columbia Chapel and online sympathy messages may be directed to www.bryanfs.com