WWALS will miss Pope Howell.

Bobby McKenzie remarks, “Pope was the one always setting WWALS up for the Full Moon paddles. Jerome (camp host) was a big help too but Pope was usually the main guy especially when starting out the free rentals. Pope really enjoyed talking about the full moon paddle crowds.”

Pope Howell, Banks Lake Sunset

Banks Lake Outdoors 2023-02-19

We regret to inform you that longtime employee, Pope Howell, passed away at the end of the week. We hope you will keep his family and friends in your prayers in the coming days. He very much enjoyed talking with the wide variety of people who visit Banks Lake.

Pope Howell. Photo: Banks Lake Outdoors

Obituary for George “Pope” Howell Jr.

George “Pope” Howell, Jr., 73 of Lakeland, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 17, 2023 at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta. “Pope” as people knew him, was born on March 28, 1949 to the late Nancy Aline Richardson Howell and George Pope Howell, Sr., in Nashville, Georgia. Pope was currently employed with the Banks Lake Outpost in Lakeland, Georgia, he previously served Lanier County as Chief Deputy Sheriff for twenty-eight years, and was originally a farmer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and running his dogs. His radio handle was “Blue Deer.” Pope was a loving husband, daddy, and papa. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Vivian W. Howell; son, Mark Anthony Roland, and special cousin Bubba Howell.

Survivors include his loving wife of twenty-two years, Judy P. Howell of Lakeland, Georgia; children, Ronda Day and husband Joe Bob of Ray City, Georgia, Rachel Yarnall and husband Patrick of Tallahassee, Florida, Tori Taylor and husband Chad of Lakeland, Georgia, Lindsey Fender Brogdon (like a daughter) of Lakeland, Georgia, Sandra Smith and husband Clint of Stockton, Georgia, Jessica Browning (Trevor Beck) of Lyons, Georgia; 12 grandchildren, Howell, Kaylee, Karrie, Marcus, Katharine, James, Madisyn, Hannah, Devin, Andrew, Michael, and Alyssa; 4 great grandchildren, Rylie, Hadlie, Renyn and Aubreylynn; a loved daughter-in-law: Karin P. Roland of Valdosta, Georgia, a brother-in-law: Charles Powell and a host of very special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Southside Baptist Church in Lakeland, Georgia. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends and guests for visitation from 5:00 — 7:00 PM on Monday, February 20, 2023 at Music Funeral Services in Lakeland, Georgia. Messages of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com The Howell family is being served by the caring and professional staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland, GA.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George “Pope” Howell Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.

Banks Lake sunset, 2022-01-17 Photo: John S. Quarterman

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

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