Bob Howell Remembered: Montgomery Mourns the Loss of a Beloved WSFA 12 News Anchor and Trusted Voice in Alabama Journalism

The city of Montgomery, Alabama, and the broader journalism community are mourning the loss of one of its most trusted voices. Bob Howell, longtime news anchor at WSFA 12 News, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy defined by professionalism, dedication, and a genuine warmth that resonated with both colleagues and viewers alike.

For decades, Bob Howell was a fixture in living rooms across central and south Alabama. His calm, authoritative voice and steady presence helped guide countless residents through everything from everyday headlines to moments of crisis. Whether he was reporting on local developments, breaking news, or community celebrations, Bob approached every story with the same unwavering commitment to truth and service.

Born and raised in Geneva, Alabama, Bob’s passion for broadcasting began early. He started his career in radio during high school and later transitioned to television news in Dothan. In August 1976, he joined WSFA in Montgomery, anchoring the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. Over the years, he anchored more than 10,000 live newscasts and served as the News Department’s Managing Editor. His reporting took him to major cities around the country and included several foreign assignments covering stories in England, France, Germany, and Kuwait. He also produced award-winning documentaries and hosted programs such as “Newsmakers,” “Alabama Illustrated,” and “Inside Alabama’s Legislature.” (unitedfuneral.site, al-ba.com, Societal News, https://www.wsfa.com, https://www.wsfa.com)

Bob’s influence extended beyond the newsroom. He was a mentor to many in the field, known for his integrity, calm demeanor, and dedication to truth. Renowned meteorologist James Spann shared a heartfelt tribute on social media:(unitedfuneral.site)

“I am very saddened to learn of the death of Bob Howell, long time news anchor at WSFA TV in Montgomery. I worked at Channel 12 long ago… in 1978/79. He was an amazing teacher, encourager, and friend. My memories of the days with Bob at WSFA are cherished.” (unitedfuneral.site)

Former WSFA colleague Matt Bamberg also expressed his grief, writing:(unitedfuneral.site)

“I am in total shock. Just received word that Bob Howell has passed. I started watching Bob when I was a little kid and when I finally got the opportunity to work at WSFA with Bob, I was so elated. I learned so much from Bob during my time at WSFA. He was such a professional, and he treated me like one.” (unitedfuneral.site)

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Paula, and their sons, Brock and Alex. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless viewers who welcomed him into their homes each evening. A consummate journalist, devoted family man, and treasured mentor, Bob Howell will never be forgotten. His voice may be silent now, but his impact will resonate for generations to come. (TheyAwningGrave.site)

In an era when trust in media is more important than ever, Bob Howell stood as a beacon of reliability. For viewers in Montgomery and beyond, he wasn’t just a newsman — he was part of the family.(unitedfuneral.site)

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on [Date] at [Location], beginning at [Time]. The family invites all who knew and loved him to join in remembering the remarkable man he was. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to [Charity Name], reflecting Bob’s generous spirit and commitment to making the world a better place.

Bob Howell’s legacy of love, kindness, and journalistic excellence will continue to inspire us every day.

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