William Francis Howell, Jr.

William Francis Howell, Jr., 85, a longtime resident of Southern Maryland, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia. Born February 10, 1941, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of William Francis Howell, Sr. and Evelyn M. (Fields) Howell.

Known to family and friends as Bill or Billy, he grew up in Accokeek, Maryland, and graduated from Gonzaga College High School in 1959. He was especially proud of his family’s nearly century-long connection to Gonzaga, a tradition spanning four generations, from his father, uncles, and brother to his son and grandson. He attended Millersville University in Pennsylvania before being drafted into the United States Army, serving honorably from 1966 to 1968. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Bowie State College in 1973 and obtained his Maryland teaching certification.

On October 12, 1974, Bill married Rosita L. Fernandes, the love of his life. Together, they raised their sons, Scott and Michael, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, building a life grounded in family, loyalty, and devotion.

Bill spent much of his professional life with the Department of the Navy at Indian Head, Maryland, where he began as an apprentice electrician in 1960 and ultimately became an Acquisition Management Specialist. His career spanned more than 36 years of combined military and civilian federal service, including 24 years supporting the Weapons Simulation Department. He retired in 2008, having earned numerous awards and the respect and affection of his colleagues.

Beyond his professional career, Bill’s great passion was fastpitch softball. For six decades, he played, managed, and served the sport, competing in national and international tournaments across the United States and Canada. A formidable catcher known for his powerful throwing arm and competitive spirit, he earned All-America honors in 1989 and was inducted into the Greater Washington Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1994. He also served as a regional commissioner for the International Softball Congress. More than the victories and accolades, Bill treasured the friendships, camaraderie, and countless summers spent traveling and playing alongside teammates, including his sons.

A gifted and lifelong athlete, Bill was comfortable in just about any sport he tried. Beyond softball, he enjoyed skiing, swimming, basketball, and touch football, and rarely passed up an opportunity to be active. He particularly loved the beach, the sunshine, and the golf course, where he played several times a week with a wide circle of friends, participated in charity tournaments supporting scholarships, and proudly recorded two holes-in-one in 2009.

He was also a passionate Washington Redskins fan, holding season tickets for fifty years at RFK Stadium alongside his good friends Danny and Carl (Hoppy) during the team’s glory years. His devotion took him all the way to Pasadena for Washington’s victory in Super Bowl XVII in 1983. He even recorded every game on VHS, including those he attended in person, so he could watch them all over again.

Bill possessed a sharp intellect, an even sharper wit, and an independent spirit. He could be sarcastic, opinionated, and wonderfully funny, but beneath his sometimes gruff exterior was a deeply generous and thoughtful man. He quietly helped others without seeking recognition and took far greater pleasure in the accomplishments of those he loved than in his own considerable achievements.

Nowhere was that more evident than in his devotion to his grandchildren, Jillian and Jonathan, who knew him as Pop. Alongside their grandmother, Omi, he delighted in their achievements, admired the people they became, and expressed his pride and affection in ways both heartfelt and distinctly his own. His family, friends, and faith remained enduring sources of meaning throughout his life.

Bill is survived by his son, Scott Howell and his wife, Jill, of Dunkirk; grandchildren Jillian Howell and Jonathan Howell; and siblings Charlotte Whidden, Linda Wieland, Michael Howell, and Stephen Howell. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosita Howell; his son, Michael Howell; and his parents, William and Evelyn Howell.