Laurie William Howle, Jr. (Billy) was born on February 6,1949 in Rock Hill, SC. He was the son of Laurie William Howle, Sr. and Nettie Belle Crane Howle of Fort Mill, SC.

Billy was raised in Fort Mill and attended K-12 there. After graduating from Fort Mill High School, he attended Spartanburg Methodist College. He later served in the US Air Force and was stationed in Texas.

After his discharge from the Air Force, he returned home to Fort Mill to work in his family's business, Southeastern Tree. Billy worked with his dad, Laurie, and eventually took over the business upon his father's passing in 1983. His two sons eventually joined him and have grown Southeastern Tree into a highly respected business that has been in operation for nearly 80 years and has spanned three generations. Billy's reputation and expertise in the tree and landscaping business is lauded by many in the region.

Billy's recent life has been filled with watching his grandchildren play sports, working in his woodshop, playing golf, spending time with close friends, and keeping up with his SC Gamecocks. He deeply loved his family and was so proud of their accomplishments.

Billy is survived by his sons Todd Howle (Jordan) and Will Howle, grandsons Drew Howle (Katie) and Jack Howle (Jolie), granddaughter Harper, great-granddaughter Lucy, and several nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his two sisters Margaret Howle Barber (Evan) and family and Frances Howle Krueger (Chuck) and family, and cherished friends Carol Mason and Hayne McMeekin, Clemente Flores, and many others.

A celebration of life service will be held at Billy's Shop at Southeastern Tree in Fort Mill, SC on Sunday, November 1 st at 3pm. Casual dress is requested.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that friends and family donate to a charity close to their hearts or plant a tree in Billy's honor.