Calling today's funeral service for former Orangeburg County Sheriff's Deputy Corporal William Howell Jr., emotional would be an huge understatement.  Inside Lake Marion High School's gymnasium hundreds of family and friends joined officers from all over the state in honoring the Howell one last time.  He was killed in the line of duty last week while responding to a domestic violence call.

"Howell was the type of deputy when on a call he always went there with peace in his heart.  He didn't want to fight, he didn't want to argue but he did have a job to do," said Deputy Reginald Conyers.

Howell spent more than 10 years in law enforcement.  Friends say he touched many lives.

"He had love in his heart when he patrolled the streets.  Took time with the kids lord," Rev. John Ivey told the crowd.

Corporal Howell was often affectionately called "How-well" by his friends.  He is survived by his wife and 4 sons. 

"God only takes the best...William Howell was the best," said Sheriff Larry Williams.

Corporal Howell is the 2nd officer to die in the line of duty this year in South Carolina.

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