Longtime Howard County Administrator and County Executive for nine months William "Ned" Eakle died Tuesday morning after falling ill at the age of 86, according to a statement released by Howard County.

Eakle, who lived in Elkridge, started working as the county administrator in 1977 and served for nine months in 1986 as interim county executive after J. Hugh Nichols left office before his term expired.

Current Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said Eakle's loss will be felt.

"He was a frequent visitor to county offices and was famous for his warm smile and great sense of humor," Ulman said in the statement. "I want to express my deepest condolences to Ned’s wife, Agnes, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will miss him."

Patch will continue to update this story as details about any funeral and memorial services are announced.