Howell anchored tens of thousands of newscasts for WSFA over more than three decades.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Former longtime WSFA 12 News Anchor Bob Howell has died.

While he’s most known for his time on TV, the Geneva native got his broadcasting start from behind a radio microphone at WGEA radio while he was still in high school. He later became news anchor and covered Dothan wresting events while working at WTVY-TV in Dothan before making the move to the capital city of Montgomery. It was in August of 1976 when Bob began anchoring WSFA’s 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.

That move to the capital city would turn into a decades-long relationship between Bob and viewers across central and south Alabama. Viewers tuned in for more than 10,000 of his broadcasts over the next 22 years, and Bob would inform them of the latest developments with his signature deep voice and calm, steady, and caring approach.

Bob wore multiple hats, including that of the news department’s managing editor, for years. He reported from major cities around the country and had several foreign assignments covering stories in England, France, Germany, and Kuwait.

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His wealth of knowledge on significant issues, people, and current events around the viewing area endeared him to generations of longtime WSFA viewers. When major breaking news happened, Bob was always there.

From weather events to political unrest and change, and election nights Bob was the man many turned to to learn what happened, see the reaction, and get the perspective about why this news event was so important.

Bob decided to leave WSFA in 1998 to help start a new news operation at Montgomery’s ABC affiliate. However, he returned to WSFA six years later in 2004, and once again picked up anchoring duties at 4, 6 and 10 p.m. In addition to anchoring, Bob’s work could be seen in various specials and regular feature stories including “Exploring Alabama with Bob Howell,” which took him across the state to report on interesting people, places, and issues.

Howell’s time at WSFA also saw the production of award-winning documentaries, and he hosted programs such as WSFA’s “Newsmakers”, “Alabama Illustrated,” and “Inside Alabama’s Legislature.” There were also community specials and fundraisers he co-hosted, including the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Bob was a mainstay on WSFA’s airwaves for more than 32 years before his retirement from TV news on May 23, 2012, 13 years ago this week.

Outside of his work at WSFA, Bob Howell helped teach future journalists at Troy University’s Hall School of Journalism for several years, including some of the employees still working at WSFA today.

WSFA News Director Desmond Wingard grew up in south Alabama watching Bob Howell anchoring the news every night. “As a kid, the news with Bob Howell was appointment television for me. I would tell my grandparents to turn on the news on a regular basis.” Wingard added, “I consider Bob one of my mentors. I watched him growing up, and it was his professionalism that drew me into this career field. Being able to work at WSFA with Bob years later was a high point for me. I’ll always remember his coaching and him checking in on me after his retirement.”

“For years, Bob Howell served as one of the key anchors during the evening news on WSFA. Though I did not work with Bob personally, I saw him numerous times on WSFA while visiting my in-laws in Montgomery,” said WSFA Vice President and General Manager Mark P. Bunting upon hearing the news of Bob’s passing. “Through these few occasions, one could easily tell that Bob was an exceptional broadcaster. Bob’s legacy lives on even today and in all those of at WSFA who worked with him or have heard of him. Our community has lost a true broadcasting legend. We at WSFA extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.”

“Bob and I sat side-by-side on the anchor desk and in the newsroom for many years,” recalled co-anchor Kim Hendrix. “We shared laughter and tears as we navigated life and news stories – he was our lead anchor, my colleague and friend. When my husband and I announced we were expecting, I will always remember Bob telling me “children open doors in your heart, you never knew were there.” Praising God for Bob’s great big life.”

“I had the great pleasure of working closely with Bob for over 30 years, on the air as a weather caster, behind the scenes as Marketing Director, and online as Digital Content Manager,” said fellow former longtime WSFA employee, Mark Wilder. “He connected with the television audience in a way few anchors could. They liked him, they believed him, and they trusted him.” “He was also my friend,” Wilder added. “I will miss him.”

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Howell, a trusted voice in Alabama Journalism for decades,” Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said in a statement Sunday. “As a longtime WSFA-TV anchor, Mr. Howell helped shape the way generations of Alabamians received their news — with professionalism, integrity, and grace. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former colleagues during this time.”

When Bob retired he spoke to the staff at a party in his honor. He said, “When all is said and done – I’ll be able to look back on the wonderful relationships I’ve enjoyed – especially with our viewers who have been so loyal and supportive of my efforts at WSFA 12 News.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.