Clifton Lee Howell

Clifton Lee Howell, Jr., 78, of Treasure Island, Florida, passed away on October 12, 2013 after a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer's Disease. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on January 23, 1935 and was a 1953 graduate of Summerlin Institute in Bartow, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1957 with a BS in Business Administration and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1960 and served as a Captain, Air Force Judge Advocate, from 1960 to 1963. Cliff was a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney and served as Winter Haven City Attorney from 1967-1971. He was a partner in the law firm King, Howell and Kaylor in the 1970's, and in 1981, he along with his partner, Robert Thornhill, founded the law firm Howell and Thornhill of Winter Haven. He had a love for flying and was an IFR rated pilot. He was an accomplished skeet shooter and had a lifelong love for sports and the Florida Gators. Cliff was very proud of his membership and service to Alcoholics Anonymous and served on the Board of Elders at Grace Lutheran Church where he was a Stephens Minister. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifton Sr. and Hazel Oliver Howell. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice, of 33 years and his two daughters; Lisa Gail Howell and Susan Leigh Geresy; his two stepdaughters, Jana Spence LaBarbera, (Rick) and Lani Spence Stuart; his two grandchildren; Jonas Alden Stuart and Lily Giavanna LaBarbera; a sister, Linda Howell Collier (Lester) and other loving nephews, family and friends. We will never forget you, husband, and father for your honesty, your patience, your kindness and your love. You were a man of great integrity and an inspiration to many. You fought a great fight against a terrible disease and, through it all, maintained your dignity. A memorial service will be held in Winter Haven at Grace Lutheran Church, 327 Avenue C. SE, Winter Haven, Florida 33880 on Friday, November 1st at 11 AM. A private graveside service will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Central Avenue Chapel in St. Petersburg is serving the family. Service Information