William "Anderson" Howell, 86, of Eden passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at his residence.

To honor his wishes, there will be no formal services.

Born into humble beginnings, Pop learned early the value of perseverance and resourcefulness.  With little handed to him, he became the kind of man who could fix just about anything – engines, appliances, fences, or machinery.  You name it, he could make it run.  A natural tinkerer and builder, he was rarely without a project, a tool in hand, or that familiar pair of bib overalls and white t-shirt he wore like a second skin.

He proudly served his country for more than 20 years in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force.  His service was marked by duty, discipline, and a steady dedication that shaped the rest of his life.

After his military career, he continued his lifelong pattern of hard work and ingenuity, spending two decades as a plant engineer with Purolator.  There too, he was known as the man who could fix anything, solve the toughest problems, and keep things running smoothly.

At home, Pop found joy in simpler, quieter rewards, especially gardening.  Every summer, his field burst with tomatoes, cucumbers, and whatever else he decided to coax from the soil.  He grew more than he could ever use and happily gave much of it away to family, friends and anyone who needed a fresh basket of homegrown goodness.

One of his greatest sources of pride was providing his children a legacy of stability, love, and the belief that a better life can always be built with your own two hands.

He was known for his quick wit, humor, mischievous grin and the ability to bring levity to even the hardest days.

He built a life of purpose and generosity, and he leaves this world a better place for having been in it.  May he rest in peace knowing he built a life and a legacy worth being proud of.

Perhaps, nothing defined him more than his stories.  He could sit for hours recounting tales from his childhood; swimming in the Smith River, growing up with little but making the most of everything.  He brought those memories to life with such vivid details you felt as if you were right there beside him.  When he started talking, you never wanted him to stop.  His words were a gift, a window into a life well and fully lived.

He leaves behind a family who will forever love him, miss him, and carry his lessons forward: strength, humility, kindness, and the belief that anything can be repaired with a little patience, a healthy resource pile and a good set of tools.

Anderson is survived by his children, Tom Howell of Ruffin, Annette Howell of Eden, Lynnette Lux of Cary and Linda Thompson of Kentucky; his sister, Floretta Farmer of Burlington; his grandchildren, Dale Jackson, Casey Taylor, Beth Howell, Karl Howell, Matthew Lux, Christina Lux, Sarah Lux, Stephanie Thompson and Andrea Thompson; his great grandchildren, Lorelei and Connor; his fur baby, Poppy Lux; and his extended family, Brenda O'Connor, Jennifer O'Connor, Trace O'Connor, Marley O'Connor and Bailey O'Connor.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter Green Howell and Pocahontas Light Howell, and his wife, Marie Bailey Howell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Rockingham County Animal Shelter, 250 Cherokee Camp Road, Reidsville, NC 27320.