TIFTON — Former Tifton City Manager Charles “Charlie” Henry Howell, 67, died Thursday at his residence after a lengthy battle with cancer. Howell served as the city’s manager from 1996-2006 and spent most of his life in public service jobs.
Howell had just been hired by the city when former Mayor Paul O. Johnson took office.
“He inherited a council that was not experienced in municipal government and he was a great mentor,” Johnson said. “He was Paul Johnson’s true friend.”
Johnson remembers Howell as “always prepared for issues that came up and he spent hours researching and gathering information to make available to the council so that we could make wise decisions based on complete information.”
Johnson said Howell “had a special knack” for resolving conflict and “making things happen.”
“We adopted a slogan, ‘Good things happen when we all work together,’” Johnson said. “He had the awesome responsibility of the day-to-day operations of City Hall and he made it happen.”
Before coming to Tifton, Howell served as Lake City, Fla.’s city manager; the City of Macon’s chief administrator; and spent 15 years as the executive director of the Middle Georgia Area Planning and Development Association. After his retirement, he formed Charles Howell and Associates and worked for the City of Ashburn.
Howell’s experience and the contacts he developed over the years served the city well, Johnson said.
“His contacts in Atlanta with the various agencies and how he secured dollars for Tifton was invaluable,” Johnson said.
“He was known statewide and Tifton was blessed to have him.”
Howell, who graduated from the University of Georgia where he played football and ran track, was large in stature. Johnson said his “physical stature and his determined attitude was evident,” but not what Howell was all about.
“Deep down, he was a warm, caring individual,” Johnson said. “He liked a good story and enjoyed life and he liked to fish.
“He is at peace now,” Johnson said. “Like the Apostle Paul, he ran the race hard and he fought a good fight and kept the faith.”
Howell’s funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at Tifton’s First Presbyterian Church. Read the full obituary in today’s paper.
To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.
Local News
Related Photos
Former city manager Charlie Howell dies
- Local News
-
-
Chet Powell starts new wildlife group
Many South Georgians enjoy the beauty of bountiful wildlife. But chances are, few realize that there are those special people out there who work diligently and spend their own money rescuing and rehabbing injured and orphaned animals.
And perhaps not many know about the Georgia Wildlife Rescue Association that is newly formed with Colquitt Countian Chet Powell at its helm. - Warm weather could lead to armies of mosquitoes
-
BOE introduces behavioral specialists
Programs addressing student behavioral issues were among items discussed at a recent Tift County Board of Education work session.
At Tuesday’s night meeting, Joy West, special education director, introduced three behavioral specialists who have been placed in four local schools to address behavior: Debra Woods at Charles Spencer Elementary, Leigh Ann Haworth at G.O. Bailey Primary and at Len Lastinger Primary, and Jennifer Glenn at Matt Wilson Elementary School.
West said that grades kindergarten through fifth were looked at because a panel saw a great need to address discipline at an early age. -
Community helps with ‘Operation Valentine’
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals, with the help of some local churches, recently worked on a project, “Operation Valentine,” sending more than 100 personal valentines to military personnel. Local young students created the valentines, which were sent along with some goodies.
Suzanne Myers with Bowen-Donaldson said the funeral home is the Tift County Veterans and Family Memorial Care Provider. - Lee Grace Dougherty to appear in court today
-
Wood turning event Saturday at museum
-
Ga. House rejects charter schools amendment
House lawmakers rejected Wednesday a proposed amendment to the state constitution giving the General Assembly the power to create new charter schools.
- I-75 traffic grinds to halt due to deadly wreck in N. Ga.
-
Statewide tornado drill today
According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are the No. 1 severe weather-related killer in Georgia. With tornado season fast approaching, Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and NWS are urging all residents to prepare now for these violent storms. To help Georgians prepare for these dangerous storms, NWS will issue a statewide tornado drill today, and GEMA asks that all schools, households and businesses participate in the drill. GEMA also encourages residents to get ready for tornadoes by purchasing and programming a NOAA Weather Radio.
-
Truck drives off I-75
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
