John Walter Howell III, age 86, of Green Mountain, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late John Walter and Thelma Johnson Howell.
John earned his degree from East Tennessee State University and taught at both East Yancey and Cane River High Schools. He was known for his sense of humor and being a storyteller who could make his stories come alive to his listeners. He was outgoing, always laughing and joking, and loved making conversation with everyone. He was a kind, generous man who loved everyone. John was the hub of his family, always giving of himself and showing them love. His presence will be missed by everyone, especially his family, and memories of him will forever be cherished.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Elana Young Howell; daughter, Kelly Howell of Red Hill; stepdaughter, Heather Proffitt-Young (Jason) of Green Mountain; stepson, John Proffitt (Heather) of Burnsville; four grandchildren: Jesse Young, Hunter Taylor (Russell), Garrett Sparks and Paige Sparks; great-grandchild, Julien Carter Taylor; four cousins whom he thought of as sisters: Jerri Ray, Karen Shepherd, Linda Laws and Brenda Pate; as well as numerous cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 8th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Garland Honeycutt will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the services. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 9th in the Fairview Cemetery at Horton Hill.
Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
