Mr. Donald Lee Howell

Mr. Donald Lee Howell, age 76 of Eastanollee, Georgia passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, surrounded by his family.

 

A son of the late Ealon Calop Howell and Mary Lee Howard Howell, he was born April 3, 1950, in Panama City, Florida, growing up in Lucedale, Mississippi, Panama City Florida and Warner Robins, Georgia.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, joining the Navy in 1968, training at Mare Island, Vallejo, California.  He served in Vietnam, Task Force 116, River Division 553 and First U.S. Navy Sniper Team.  While serving his country, Don was awarded a Purple Heart and thirteen other awards.  He was a Boy Scout while living in Mississippi and Bonaire, Georgia, earning 28 merit badges.  His skills in scouts helped him survive in the jungles of Vietnam.  He was a retired pipe welder, working all over the U.S. and in other countries.  He served on the Toccoa V.F.W. Post 4346 Honor Guard for over 30 years. His passion was salt-water fishing with his veteran friends and attending his military reunions.

 

He was an experienced photographer and enjoyed taking pictures of scenery, friends and family.  He took many pictures with his press pass at the 1982 Dedication of the Wall in Washington, D.C. This was especially meaningful for him to see his beloved brother, Adrian’s name and his nine friends he served with inscribed on the Wall.

 

Don was of the Baptist faith and a member of Tom’s Creek Baptist Church.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ealon and Mary Howell, brothers, Adrian Howell, twin brother, Wayne Howell, sister, Patricia Gregorius, nephew, Michael Gregorius and grandsons, Isaiah Howell and Andrew Howell.

 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine Guest Howell; son, David Howell; Leah Adams, mother of his granddaughter Morgan Howell; step-grandchildren, Kaylee and Seth Adams; brothers and sisters-in-law, Aaron and Edwin(Lie) Howell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beverly and Joe Cox; several nieces and nephews, aunts and cousins whom he loved very much.

 

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Amedisys Hospice for caring for him when he needed it most.

 

Memorial service Saturday, April 25, 2026, 2 p.m. in the Hillcrest Chapel of the Acree-Davis Funeral Home with The Reverend Wayne Marcus officiating.  Military Honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the V.F.W. Post 4346 Honor Guard.

 

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the service time.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.acree-davisfh.com.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army-SE Department, P.O. Box 665, Norcross, Georgia 30091-0665 in his memory.

 

Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Donald Lee Howell.