Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr.

Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr., 76, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away on December 28, 2025 after enduring a long journey with heart disease, facing it with remarkable strength and grace.

The only son of Wilbur G. Howell, Sr. and Nora Alice Howell, Bill was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and was a lifelong resident of the community he dearly loved. He took immense pride in his work at the family business, which began at The Aiken Standard and Review, where he was involved in every aspect of the operation—from delivering newspapers on his paper route to running a printing press. Bill later went on to lead the family business as owner of Howell Printing Company.

Known as a quiet leader and a steadfast pillar of the Aiken community, Bill believed deeply in service. He graduated from Aiken High School. He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken and continued his education at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where he proudly served his country in both the United States Navy Reserves and the United States Army Reserves during the Vietnam era. He was a longtime member of the Aiken Rotary Club, continuing a family legacy of service that included his late uncle, Benjamin King, a charter member. He also served on the board of directors for Aiken’s Downtown Development Association, supporting the downtown area, which he truly loved. Giving back to his community was one of Bill’s greatest joys.

Outside of his professional and civic life, Bill was an avid and accomplished NHRA drag racer. He was an IHRA National Champion, a three-time NHRA Division 2 Champion, and was well known in racing circles by the nickname “Sneaky Snake.”

Above all else, Bill’s greatest dedication was to his late wife, Janice K. Howell, and to being a loving father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Grace Elizabeth Howell, his grandson, Nixon Everett Torres, dearest cousin Johnny McCullough, Niece Lynne Hawkins Pou and her son Zane Alec Pou, work family Tara Branch Reeder and Robyn Altamar, alongside a host of additional close friends and family.


He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice K. Howell; his parents, Wilbur G. Howell, Sr., and Nora Alice Howell; and his sister, Annie Lynn Hawkins.

A joint celebration of life for Bill and Janice will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Bill’s years of steadfast dedication to the Aiken community are encouraged to make a contribution to a local charity of their choice.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801