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The Homegoing Celebration of Cpl. William Howell Jr. was truly a time to celebrate.

The occasion was filled with memories shared by fellow law enforcement officials, family and friends, in the form of music, dancing, scripture readings and special presentations.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams estimated that nearly 600 law enforcement officers were in attendance from South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and Montana, among other states. The public was also invited.

The Silas United Methodist Church Choir sang the gospel hymn “I’ll Fly Away” as the family processed in, each taking a moment to pay respects to Howell.

An array of flower arrangements stood beside his casket throughout the funeral as friends and family stood by hugging, wiping away tears, sharing their grief and their memories.

The 16-year law enforcement veteran was killed in the line of duty while answering a call in Holly Hill last weekend.

Howell was the first Orangeburg County deputy to be slain in the line of duty since 1965.

Howell was remembered last week and on Saturday as someone who was truly committed to God and family.

The celebration of Howell’s life was held Saturday at Lake Marion High School in Santee. Howell was laid to rest at his home church, Silas United Methodist Church in Eutawville.

The Rev. Mark Williams of Silas UMC brought greetings, saying, “We are here today to pay respect to one who has served our community, church, and our world as well. When one of us falls, all of us need to understand it could happen to any of us. We are truly in a time of need.”

The service was in no way a somber event. Family and friends of Howell laughed as they recalled their memories of Howell and praised God for the time spent with him.

“We have joy this day,” said Howell’s brother before a family musical selection. “This is not a sad occasion for us. Our hearts are heavy but the joy of the Lord is our strength. He has given us the strength to go through.”

The family encouraged everyone in attendance to stand up, clap, and join in song.

“This is his (Howell’s) last service,” he said. “He would not have us sitting down crying over him, but giving God praise.”

As requested, many members of Howell’s family and friends stood rejoicing in the Lord singing, clapping, dancing and playing tambourines.

The Rev. Ronald Johnson stood to provide a scripture reading and commented that Howell knew what life was about and lived it to his fullest. Johnson said he could hear Howell saying that he wouldn’t have wanted a dead funeral and his wishes were very much respected.

Howell’s baby sister, Sherrie, sang “I’m Still Holding On,” dedicating it to her family and friends and all those who loved Howell. A praise dance to the gospel song “Lord You are Good” was performed by his nieces.

Friends and family lined up to share their personal memories of time spent with Howell from on-the-job situations to roller skating adventures.

Sheriff Williams stood to make his final remarks about Howell, saying he and Howell had a real connection and he lost a special friend.

Howell kept him informed of community needs and didn’t have a destructive tongue like some others can have.

“He had a smile, warmth, and charisma that only Howell can give,” Sheriff Williams said. “You could give William Howell a grain of salt and he would weigh it as one of his greatest possessions.”

The sheriff thanked Howell for his love and his near-perfect demeanor at all times.

“Some say there is no such thing as perfect, but, church, I saw that in William Howell,” he said. “God only takes the best and William Howell was the best.”

To his law enforcement staff the sheriff said, “I want you to hold your head up. I know you’re heavy with burden, but William would want you to be strong and that is what we shall do.”

Deputy Reginald Conyers recalled that Howell always went on-call with peace in his heart. He was adamant about making sure the job was done and didn’t want just the facts, but he wanted to be sure the victim in every case was satisfied.

Conyers encouraged the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office to continue to fight for crime, for peace and for each other. He encouraged the Howell family to keep their hands, praises and most importantly their heads lifted up toward heaven.

Another close friend, Captain Barry Currie, got emotional when he recalled being in a blur the whole day after hearing the news of Howell’s death and it’s still hard for him to believe he’s gone.

Currie and Howell met in 1995 and became close friends. The two were roommates at the police academy and spent many nights supporting each other and studying together.

“I can remember Howell insisting we pray before our test every Friday morning,” Currie said.

There’s no doubt that Howell loved his family, Currie said. He talked about them all the time, he said. Howell shared with Currie his plans to propose marriage to his wife, Michelle, if he passed the academy.

Currie remembered a time when he and Howell walked through the rotunda looking at names of fallen officers and how Howell hoped he would never be on that wall.

“Yes, I’m sad, but I know I’ll see my friend again,” Currie said.

Friends from Howell’s home state of Florida – including his best friend, Cool Larry – paid tribute to Howell by sharing their memories of roller skating and Howell’s signature dance moves. The three friends gave a sample of a dance move that Howell enjoyed the most.

A plaque, flags and a message from South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford was presented to Michelle Howell, as well as a resolution from the State Law Enforcement Division.

Sanford’s letter included a promise to lift up the Howell family in prayer and a promise that South Carolina will appreciate and support sacrifice made by men in uniform and their families.

Howell’s aunt Bonnie Ivey said he was a dreamer and he had a persistent attitude. She recalled being at the hospital on June 12, 1961, the day he was born. Premature and only weighing about 2 pounds, he could fit in the palm of one hand and his face was the width of two fingers.

“Even at birth, he was a fighter,” Ivey said. “He fought for his life.”

His mother, Mary, said she had a son who constantly showed his love for her.

“He was a son that, when it came down to his mother, he let me know that he loved me very much,” Mary said.

When she got the news about his death, she remembered feeling like a part of her had just died, she said.

She continues to take it one day at a time, she said. Mother Day will particularly be hard, she said, he would have been right there to take her to dinner.

“He had a good journey,” Mary said. “What happened to him was a part of life. We’re not people that hate what was done.”

n T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com and at 803-533-5529. Discuss this and other stories online at www.TheTandD.com.

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