22nd Dist. Assistant DA Gary Howell to retire
After 32 years in private practice and eight years as a prosecutor, Gary Howell is set to retire, according to an announcement by the office of the 22nd Judicial District.
"Instead of preparing for trials or arguing in the courtrooms of the 22nd Judicial District, Howell will now spend his time enjoying his family, the lake, and the Vols," the announcement said.
A 1974 graduate of Columbia Central High School, Howell went on to acquire his Bachelor of Science Degree in political science and pre-law from Middle Tennessee State University in 1979.
In 1981, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and began practicing law when he joined the Columbia law firm of Jack and Edwards in 1982. Howell opened a solo practice in Columbia in 1987 and moved his office to Mt. Pleasant in 2000.
Until joining the DA’s office in 2014, Howell had a successful law practice where he represented clients in various types of civil law. However, he is best known for his work and expertise as a criminal defense attorney and his prowess in representing clients in jury trials, according to some peers.
"In trial is where Gary’s exceptionally quick wit and aptitude for communicating with jurors paid off for many of his clients," the announcement said.
That is also where Brent Cooper, elected as District Attorney in 2014, learned some of his skills as a trial lawyer.
“Having prosecuted several cases with Gary on the opposing side certainly made me better as an attorney and a prosecutor," Cooper said. "I learned firsthand how well powerful he was when he fought for his client’s. Because of that, I didn’t hesitate to offer him a job when he asked to close out his career as a prosecutor. And, as expected, Gary was a force to be reckoned with as a prosecutor."
During his eight years as a prosecutor, Howell was assigned to the Lawrence County office. There, he successfully prosecuted some of the most serious and violent crimes in that county. Some cases include State v. Gregoire (murder of “Fat” Sam Passarrella), State v. Ricky Houser (murder of Robert “Bob Davis), State v. Yancy Williams (murder of Mississippi State star wide receiver CJ Sirmones), State v. Berg (rape of a Child, received 40 years at 100%), and most notably, State v. Fisher (the attempted murder of Baby Addilyn, Fisher sentenced to the maximum sentence of 50 years).
“To say that Gary was effective as a prosecutor in his brief, eight-year career would be a major understatement. Lawrence County is definitely a safer place thanks to Gary’s service,” Cooper said.
Gary married the former Roxanne Shehane of Columbia in 1995. They have two children, Jennifer and Christian, and two grandchildren, Tyler and Adalyn. Gary and Roxanne now reside on Wilson Lake, in Northern Alabama, where he will continue to cheer on the Volunteers in spite of his neighbors.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Assistant District Attorney retires after 32 years in Columbia
