On October 2, 2024, Kirklyn (Lyn) Hardee Howell, Jr., age 75, left his earthly body behind and entered into his much anticipated eternal rest.  He was a lifelong resident of Saint George, South Carolina.  Those who knew and loved Lyn would be the first to tell you he was a complicated man.  He was just as likely to tell you a story to try and make you laugh as he was to tell you the best way in the world to do things, which was, of course, his way.  He was a generous man who loved his family and friends, the great outdoors, and all things Gamecock.  He loved new adventures and quiet reflection in the woods or on the water.  He also loved spinning tall tales about the ones that got away and other such far-fetched stories that would make people laugh and shake their heads simultaneously.

Lyn was adored and fiercely loved by his parents, Kirklyn Hardee Howell, Sr. (died October 21, 2020) and Henrietta Young Howell.  He loved them both beyond measure and spent every morning enjoying daily devotions with his beloved mother until his illness interrupted their treasured visits. He would tell anyone and everyone that his mother was the best woman in the world. He was a devoted son who strove to live his imperfect life in a way that would make both of his parents proud.

Lyn was extremely fortunate to have been loved and known by two amazing women.  His first wife, Jodie Bryant Howell, who preceded him in death in June of 2000, blessed him with two loving children, Kirklyn H. Howell of Eutawville and Rebecca A. Howell of West Columbia.  He then met, married, and adored Linda Hartzog Howell, whose daughter Trudy Hartzog Robertson and husband Thomas Matthew Robertson, blessed him with three grandchildren, Mary Grace Robertson of Beaufort, Emma Connor Roberston of Charleston, and Thomas Matthew Robertson, Jr. of Nashville, who were a source of immense pride and joy to their Popa Lyn.

Lyn’s life was also blessed with the love and support of many good friends, including his best fishing buddy, Richard Behling, three “adopted” sisters Rose P. Bell, Gale (Johnny) Weathers, and Angie (John) Taylor, and his band of merry adventurers and troublemakers, affectionately known as The Gypsies, many of whom preceded him in death but brought immeasurable joy to his life.

The family is honoring Lyn’s wishes not to have a service to commemorate his life.  He has always said he would rather people remember him while doing the things he enjoyed - watching a game, sitting reflectively in the woods enjoying God’s creation, dropping a line in the water, or just swapping stories and a cold beverage with friends and family. 

The family will receive visitors at Bryant Funeral Home on Sunday, October 6th from 3 to 4 pm.  The family appreciates the abundance of people who have already reached out with love and support and understands that many may choose to honor Lyn in the ways listed above instead of coming to the visitation.  We support that as well.  Your cards, calls, and messages have already served to remind us of how loved, supported, and blessed we are. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the things near and dear to Lyn’s heart or to the charity of your choosing. He was an ardent supporter of St. George Methodist Church, Epworth Children's Home, and any current disaster relief efforts. Lyn believed in giving back to the community and in his final act of generosity to this world he was an organ and tissue donor with We Are Sharing Hope SC with the hopes that his death could benefit others.