After a valiant fight to overcome a traumatic brain injury suffered from a fall in January, Briley Howell died on April 2, 2022.
Briley was born in Wilmington, NC on June 29, 1944. He was the son of the late Briley W. Howell and Euzena Frink Howell. Briley was happily married for 51 years to Janice Pope Howell, of Springfield, Virginia, who survives him.
Briley’s life came to an end displaying the very same courage and perseverance that characterized his entire life as a highly decorated Colonel in the US Army. His impeccable character and leadership emerged early in life as an honor member of The Citadel, where, in 1966, he earned a bachelor’s degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army. Briley then received extensive training as an infantry officer at Fort Benning, GA and served two tours in Viet Nam. He also served tours of duty with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO and the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. Colonel Howell was a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA.
As a senior officer, Colonel Howell served on the International Military Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and at the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.
During the 27 years of his distinguished military career, Briley earned numerous awards including the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and two Purple Hearts for service in Viet Nam. In addition to an extensive military education, Briley earned a Master’s Degree at the University of Alabama, where he was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, an academic honor society for top business students.
Following a successful military career, Briley continued his patriotic commitment as a civilian employee of the Army Intelligence and Security Command where his superior work ethic was applied at the Army’s Research Laboratory. There he earned a prestigious civilian service award for his outstanding service.
Excellence was Briley’s hallmark in everything he undertook, even in his retirement. With his wife, Janice, he lived his last years enjoying his home on the water and the joys of fishing and boating. No matter what, Briley made every effort to do his best. He died the way he lived, showing great fortitude, patriotism and appreciation for a life well lived. In addition to his wife, Janice, the memory of Colonel Howell will be cherished by his sister, Frances O’Brien, his nephew, Joseph Cauthen IV and his niece, Fran Dufek.
Posted in: Demaine Funeral Home
Posted on: 2022-04-12
Link to original obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-va/briley-howell-10695279