A funeral service for Charles Reece Howell, III, age 88, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Lincoln Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home.
Born on November 27, 1936, in Lincoln County, TN, Reece was the son of the late Charles Reece Howell, Jr., and Emily Alberta Smith Howell. He was a 1955 graduate of Central High School in Fayetteville. Reece proudly served in the Tennessee National Guard and spent his life serving others through aviation, education, and community leadership. Mr. Howell passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, at his residence.
A lifelong aviator, Reece turned a passion into a profession that spanned over five decades. In 1960, Reece along with Clyde Shelton and Wallace Cobb started Fayetteville Flying Service. He then began Corporate Flight Management in 1982, and later devoted his time to Howell Enterprises, where he dedicated his life to flight instruction and aviation safety. He became nationally recognized as the leading expert on the Mitsubishi MU-2B, logging over 33,500 total flight hours—more than 18,900 in the MU-2 alone. He flew the MU-2 in both corporate and Part 135 operations for more than 30 years and held ratings in the Learjet, BA-3100, and rotorcraft helicopters.
Reece served as a private and corporate pilot for a number of distinguished clients over the years, including CFW Corporation and the late Reverend Billy Graham, among others. His professionalism, discretion, and aviation skills made him a trusted pilot for those who demanded the very highest standards.
Highly respected in the aviation community, Reece was known for his ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity and patience. He held several FAA designations, including Pilot Examiner (since 1991), CIRE, FIE, ATPE, and SPE/SFIE. In recognition of his lifelong contributions to aviation, he was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008, received the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for more than 50 years of accident-free flying, and was named “Flight Instructor of the Year.”
Beyond aviation, Reece lived a life of service and community involvement. He served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 117, was a dedicated member of the Smyrna Rotary Club, and remained a lifelong member of the Howell Hill Church of Christ. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, whose faith and character touched countless lives.
Reece is survived by his wife, Gayle Chumbley Howell; children, Charles Reece (Karen) Howell IV of Nashville, TN, James Allen (Melanie) Howell of Murfreesboro, TN, Adele Howell (Stuart) Reed of Fayetteville, and Granville Richard (Mitzi) Howell of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Chad (Amy) Bellis, Shane (Kelly) Bellis, Ryan Howell, Dr. Katie Howell (Dr. Nathan) Lowhorn, Matthew Ryan Reed, Austin Reed, Connor (Allie) Reed, Cameron (Courtney) Howell, and Caragan (Logan) Bomar; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Bellis, Alek Bellis, Emily Elizabeth Bellis, Ian Bellis, Blaine Reed, Braden Reed, Brevan Reed, and Caroline Reed; nieces Maria and Marta Balinski, and numerous extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, Reece was preceded in death by his son, David Lewis Howell; his daughter, Emily Anne Howell Bellis; and his sister, Nancy Rebecca Howell Balinski.
Memorial donations may be made to: Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 183, Gallatin, TN 37066; Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; or Howell Hill Church of Christ, c/o Randy Delap, 526 Corders Crossroads Rd, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charles Reece Howell, III—a man whose life was defined by faith, flight, and a dedication to excellence.
33 Comments To "Charles Reece Howell, III"
#1 Comment By Paul & Cathy Lamb On May 8, 2025 @ 2:37 pm
Sorry to hear of Reece’s passing. He was a great friend for many years.
#2 Comment By Bobbie denise oneal warren On May 8, 2025 @ 3:20 pm
Reece was a friend and a fellow pilot friend of my father, Bobby O’Neal who was also a tv repairman. My father owned a orange and white plane back in the 80s.
#3 Comment By Captain Scott Shelton On May 8, 2025 @ 4:05 pm
Gayle, Chuck, Karen, Allen, Adele, and Richard,
I would like to extend sincere sympathies to you all.
Reece, R3,
He was the epitome of competent confidence in life and definitely in an aircraft.
To say he had a larger than life personality, would be a gross understatement.
I owe my professional career to my father Clyde and to Charles Reece Howell III.
He taught me how to speak to people, and how to master the MU-2.
Without his mentorship, I would not have been sucessful.
He was incredibly giving of his time, skills and friendship.
He flew with 3 generations of the Shelton family.
He was my father’s best friend, my mother’s high school classmate, and a second father to me.
Reece will never be forgotten.
VFR and Tailwinds forever
#4 Comment By Eloise Hudgins On May 8, 2025 @ 4:41 pm
Richard and family, so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. I’m dating myself but I remember Mrs. Emily and Mr. Reece. She was the sweetest person. Always had a smile. You and your family are in my prayers
#5 Comment By Sue (Shelton) Brooks On May 8, 2025 @ 4:46 pm
I am so sorry to hear we have lost such a wonderful person and a lifelong friend to me. I grew up at Howell Hill where “Little “ Reece lived years ago. I was employed at Fayetteville Flying Service as secretary for a period of time. Reece was such a joy to be around. My Mother and Daddy (Gordon and Ora Ruth Shelton) loved him so much. He ate many meals with our family years ago. My heart and prayers goes out to the family.
#6 Comment By Chris Saxton On May 8, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
Every moment I spent with Reece was a great memory. As a student of flying and as a great soul. Reece always was that person. I went with him when he was inducted into the Tennessee aviation hall of fame. It was awesome. Reece made everyone he flew with a better aviator. More than that he is a wonderful soul.
He had that effect on everyone
Rest in peace Reese. See ya soon. You have left a lasting legacy for all of us to strive for
#7 Comment By Ken and Christine Davidson On May 8, 2025 @ 5:22 pm
Our thoughts and prayer are with you. We are so shocked to hear about Reece. God Bless you all.
#8 Comment By Michael Anthony Noblin On May 8, 2025 @ 5:30 pm
The World lost a Great Man
#9 Comment By Janice Moore Gregory On May 8, 2025 @ 6:48 pm
Adele: Sorry for the loss of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Janice (Moore) & Brent Gregory
#10 Comment By Gerald and Wanda Brown Scott On May 8, 2025 @ 6:53 pm
We are So Sorry. I was raised up at Howell Hill and we were neighbors. He was An Amazing Person and Very Talented. God Bless the Family with Comfort and Peace in the Days to Come.
#11 Comment By Marty Newcomb, Howell Enterprises On May 8, 2025 @ 8:18 pm
Reece,
Thank you for everything you taught me. I was honored and humbled when you picked me to be an instructor at Howell Enterprises. My first MU2 student was your last checkride and I will never forget it!
Blue skies and Garretts forever my friend!
#12 Comment By John Constantine On May 8, 2025 @ 8:22 pm
Heart breaking to say the least.
It brings tears to my eyes to lose this wonderful friend.
My brother and I were Reece’s first students when he began Howell Enterprises back in 1986. We had been flying our MU-2 for 11 years at the time and Reece really taught us the finer points of flying this great machine. I continue to to train with Howell Enterprises to this day.
Losing Reece, is like losing a dearest family member. As others have expressed, he was such a fine man.
Everyone loved Reece, his kindness, generosity, intellect, and true friendship will be sadly missed by all.
He is now on his ever lasting flight through the heavens that I know he is enjoying as he did here on earth.
Godspeed my friend!!
#13 Comment By Jane Thompson Bradley On May 8, 2025 @ 11:52 pm
I’m sad to see the passing of Mr. Reece. My first time being in an airplane was with him. It was in a cotton field at Vanntown, TN. He would give rides there on Sunday afternoons. That was many years ago. He pursued his passion for aviation and went on to accomplish so much. Rest in Peace Captain.
#14 Comment By Buck Davis On May 9, 2025 @ 5:29 am
We have all lost an American original, a wonderful friend, a consummate professional airman, and an influential advocate for the aviation industry that he loved his entire life. You will surely be missed Sir!
#15 Comment By Alex Bush On May 9, 2025 @ 7:18 am
So sorry for your loss. Reece was the man that gave me a chance as a pilot. What an amazing aviator he was. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for his family!
#16 Comment By Ron Moore On May 9, 2025 @ 10:58 am
One of the greatest aviation mentors I have ever known. I truly wouldn’t be the man I am today without the men Reece and his sons were to me. They through him gave me my earliest opportunities in aviation. Godspeed my friend!
#17 Comment By RICHARD COBB On May 9, 2025 @ 1:00 pm
One of my fondest memories was when in 1958 at the age of nine Reece Howell took me on my first plane ride. I’m not sure what the plane was but it was a two-seater side by side and was yellow. Actually, I was scared out of my mind but when the wheels left the ground I was hooked on aviation. Only saw Reece occasionally through the years but he was always a gentleman, and I considered him to be a good friend. He will be missed.
#18 Comment By Charlie Dickerson On May 9, 2025 @ 5:29 pm
The Aviation industry has lost “THE GOAT”, and a very dear friend, the best MU2 pilot around, I have many fond memories of flying with Reece.
#19 Comment By Con and Arden Humphrey On May 9, 2025 @ 8:17 pm
To Reece’s precious family – Gayle, Chuck, Karen, Allen, Melanie, Adele, Stuart, Richard, Mitzi, and all the grands and great grands, it is indeed one of the saddest times in my life to know that I have lost my dear Cousin Reece. He has been a constant presence in my life from the time I came into the world. My mother, Maudie Howell Smith, was very close to her brothers and sisters, and this meant that we cousins were always together at Howell Hill during our growing up years. I have so many great memories of things we all did together. Reece was 11 years older than me, but he always had time for my brothers and me. The last full day of his life, I sat by his bed recalling a few of the funny times and adventures we had together. Although he was in great pain, these tales brought a smile to his face. I will miss so much the phone calls and visits that always began with, “Hello, Cuz!” Please know that Con and I want to offer all of you our deepest sympathies. We are holding each of you up in prayer in this terrible time of grief. Although there are four men who were named Charles Reece Howell, each was and is unique in their own way. I have been blessed to know them all and love them all. For all of us, It is hard to let Reece go. Reece has “slipped the surly bonds of earth,” and he is flying high in Heaven where he will meet us again with that larger than life smile when our time comes. Love and hugs to all of you from Con and me. You are dearly loved.
#20 Comment By Donnie Moore On May 9, 2025 @ 8:34 pm
Reece has been a good friend and brother for me for many years. I will never forget all the great times we had together.
Fair Winds Brother!
#21 Comment By Sarah okeyo On May 10, 2025 @ 11:55 am
Coming to know Mr Reece was like first finding a father have never had. During his mission to Africa (Kenya) we met him,little did I know that God had just sent an angel to rescue me from the situation I was. And, he became a bridge to cross over to my freedom. If l was to write a book, it could fill the whole world! All I can say is Mr Reece was a beacon of hope to those who come to know him. Simple, humble and full of Dignity. I will miss him awhile lot. My prayers are with the family
#22 Comment By Carol Taylor On May 10, 2025 @ 2:25 pm
My fondest memory of my sweet cousin Reece was whenever he flew me and Charles and my mother which was 90 at the time and had never flown and our cousin Janice Delap to Sarasota Florida to see our other cousins down there. We had such a good time
#23 Comment By Marty Martin On May 10, 2025 @ 8:56 pm
Reece was our Check Airman for several years and our instructor for 35 years. But more than that he was a true friend. Gonna miss you Reece!
#24 Comment By Smyrna ATCT On May 12, 2025 @ 10:43 am
Having worked with Reece for over 30 years, I have never met a more liked and respected pilot, as well as being a genuinely nice man. We will miss him.
#25 Comment By Harrison Crabtree On May 13, 2025 @ 4:01 pm
My fondest memory was when Reese was flying for CFW Construction and was flying their helicopter and landed in our back yard to take me and my four sidings a tour of Fayetteville when we were young. Mom let us go up. He was a fine man, pilot and I love his family.
#26 Comment By Robert Hancock On May 13, 2025 @ 10:10 pm
One of kind in aviation. MU2 community lost a great instructor and supporter. He will be greatly missed.
#27 Comment By Dwayne McMurry On May 14, 2025 @ 1:39 am
Mr Howell, Reece, R3, Daddy O, Big Daddy, Daddy Reece. My favorite was Daddy Reece, because he made me feel like a Son. I was one of many he took under his wing and mentored not only in aviation, but in life. From the moment you shook his hand for the first time you knew you loved him and could trust him. And boy did he give that love back, 10 fold. You knew he was a very special person with a special gift.
He took me under his wing like he did so many others over the years. I flew with Daddy Reece for many many hours. He taught me the fine art of safely flying the Mitz as well as so many other things a young aviator needed and should know. He gave me my first flying job and through his guidance and wisdom, he gave me the confidence and skill I needed to do the job. For that I’m beyond grateful.
During many of our flights together, at some point I’d usually hear the words, “Son, let me show you something”. Then through his gift of teaching and expert flying skills, he would impart more of his wisdom upon me. I’m sure Daddy Reece has already mastered his new set of wings. One day, if I’m lucky, when I fly west and meet him again with my new set of wings, I’ll be greeted with his big smile and a great big hug and after some reminiscing I’ll hear the words “Son, let me show you something”. They say you die twice. Once when you leave this earth. A second time when someone speaks your name for the last time. It will be a very very long time before Reece Howell has a second passing.
#28 Comment By Stan Blaylock On May 14, 2025 @ 3:58 am
First time I met Reece was in 1983. 43 years ago seems like the blink of an eye.
Reece was a standup guy. You could trust him to say what he ment and mean what he said. He will be missed and I don’t think anyone will fill his shoes.
Farewell old friend my life has been made richer just knowing you.
#29 Comment By Doug Robinson On May 14, 2025 @ 8:34 am
I always looked forward to Reece coming up to Howell North in NH for our MU2 recurrent training every year. I learned so much from him over the years. He will be greatly missed. God bless you.
#30 Comment By David;A. Blackburn On May 14, 2025 @ 7:16 pm
I’ve been flying the Mitsubishi now for 18 years and I remember taking the initial course with Reese Howll. The second year I went to flight safety and then every year following that I would come out to Tennessee to fly with Rees and take the annual training course. The only negative thing about coming out to Tennessee and taking the course was that I always gained 5 pounds. And Reese would never ever let me pay. That was until last year or I invited him to lunch and we had pre-agreed that he would not argue with me. Even then he attempted to pay the bill. But after arm wrestling him, I convinced him to let me buy lunch for once. That’s how I’m gonna remember Reese just an incredibly human being in such a gift to Aviation. I’m so grateful to have known him and spent time with him.
#31 Comment By Sherry Carter On May 15, 2025 @ 8:49 am
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Reese’s passing! My prayers for Gail and his family. I loved Mr. Reese and that front pew will never be the same without him sitting there.
#32 Comment By James Bonner On May 17, 2025 @ 2:31 pm
I knew Reese well when he lived in Lincoln county. As a former Naval
Aviator, we had a lot in common and enjoyed talking to each other He was a fun guy to be around. I held Reese in high regard for his accomplishments and I kept up with his career after he moved to Smyrna. I am sorry for the loss his family suffers and I know he is missed.
#33 Comment By Donald, Deb and Sarah Jane Pugh On May 21, 2025 @ 11:39 am
40 years ago two young pilots arrived in Smyrna for MU-2 ground school and check rides for Epps aviation. Myself, and Vesa, from Finland, got to know Reece through his teaching, his flying and his captivating personality. For many of us in that original group of Epps freight dogs, it was the foundation of training and experience in becoming professional pilots. Several of the MU2 freight dogs went on to some of the most sought after pilot jobs in the world. And like me many of them stayed in touch with Reece throughout the years.
Reece had some amazing qualities. He accepted and was friends with everyone. Once you were friends with Reece, you were “ friends for life” Even a sometimes obnoxious Yankee, who would call in the middle of the night and hundreds of other times with questions about the M2 and flying. He was always available and mentored me through many flying adventures. He was also one of the most generous people I have known.
A few years ago, Reece allowed my wife and I and our daughter to stay at his wonderful cabin. We were able to watch our daughter filming a music video on the cabin property. Afterward, Gayle prepared a wonderful meal for us and some of their friends. It was an experience we will never forget, and we will never forget Reece Howell.