House Resolution 89

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY B. HOWELL FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND WISHING HIM WELL UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Bobby B. Howell, of the Mississippi House of Representatives, is completing 24 years of consecutive service as a member of the House from District 46 that includes parts of Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Leflore and Montgomery Counties; and

WHEREAS, born on December 23, 1941, Representative Howell graduated from Kilmichael High School and earned an undergraduate degree from Delta State University, followed by a bachelor of science degree from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1964; and

WHEREAS, demonstrating his leadership skills early on, Bobby was elected President of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy Student Body in 1963 during his senior year, and this began his noteworthy career as a person known to be a consensus builder; and

WHEREAS, after his higher education was completed, Representative Howell made his home in Kilmichael with his lovely and gracious wife, Charmayne Killebrew, where they were valued members of that community, building the successful Kilmichael Drugstore that served the town well for 44 years; and

WHEREAS, Representative Howell's desire to serve others and his community led him to seek elected office at the young age of 26, when he became Mayor of the Town of Kilmichael in 1969; and

WHEREAS, he served as the Mayor of Kilmichael until 1992, and during his tenure in that post, Kilmichael became known as "The Town That Cares"; and

WHEREAS, as a direct result of Representative Howell's leadership, the fire department and police department became professional branches of the town's government, the water system was expanded, a sewer system and a natural gas system were built, the street infrastructure was improved so that all streets were paved, an industrial park was established, and the Veterans Memorial Cemetery was created; and

WHEREAS, in 1992, Representative Howell became known as the "Gentleman from Montgomery" when he began his service as a House member in the Mississippi State Legislature, using his demonstrated ability to be a consensus builder and the wisdom and experience that he accrued over the years to guide him in his new capacity as a public servant; and

WHEREAS, a charter member of the Mississippi Legislative Conservative Coalition and a known proponent of fiscal integrity, Representative Howell has served with distinction throughout his legislative career under three Speakers -- Ford, McCoy and Gunn -- and four Governors -- Fordice, Musgrove, Barbour and Bryant; and

WHEREAS, his talent and abilities were recognized by the legislative leadership as evidenced by his rising from freshman lawmaker to serving as Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, and finally to serving as Chairman of the House Medicaid Committee; and

WHEREAS, Chairman Howell's knowledge and understanding of the public health and safety arena led to his service as a member of both the House Public Health and Welfare Committee and the House Conservation and Water Resources Committee for his entire 24-year tenure as a member of the Mississippi House; and

WHEREAS, his expertise in public health issues was noticeable in his leadership and consensus-building role in many significant health care initiatives during his legislative career, and this asset was further recognized in 2012 by his appointment as Chairman of the House Medicaid Committee; and

WHEREAS, while serving as Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee from 2004-2008, he was instrumental in promoting economic development in the Magnolia State, and specifically, in recruiting the automotive industry to locations within Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a talented and well-respected pharmacist, Chairman Howell is past president of the Mississippi Pharmacy Association, was the 2000 recipient of the prestigious "Bowl of Hygea," the highest honor awarded to a pharmacist by his peers, and was the recipient of the Epic Pharmacy Heavy Hitter Award; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his devoted public service, this Christian gentleman is a committed member of the Baptist faith, and he has volunteered his time, energy and leadership skills to the community and civic affairs of Kilmichael, as demonstrated by his participation in the work of the Montgomery County Economic Council, the Lions Club, the Cattlemen's Association, and the Galen Order; and

WHEREAS, Representative Howell is a proud Ole Miss Rebel and has always been a strong supporter of his alma mater, both during his legislative tenure in Jackson, and on his many visits to support the university in Oxford; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his career as a successful businessman, health care provider and statesman, Chairman Howell has been a devoted husband to Charmayne Killebrew Howell, father of Gary Brian Howell and Haley Howell Martin, grandfather of five and great-grandfather of three; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the legacy of one of our own, who has represented his district, this body and the people of this great state with honor and dignity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Chairman Bobby B. Howell for his many years of dedicated and distinguished service to the citizens of his district and the State of Mississippi and extend to him congratulations and heartiest wishes on the occasion of his retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Representative Bobby B. Howell and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.