Senator Howell Heflin
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Senator Howell Heflin has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1978 and re-elected in both 1984 and 1990.
Senator Heflin was born June 19, 1921, in Poulan, Georgia, the son of a Methodist preacher. He began his service to this country during World War II as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific Theater. There he was wounded twice and was awarded the Silver Star. His wartime experience convinced the senator that the nation must always have a strong military defense.
He was a crucial supporter of many proposals that have affected the direction that Huntsville and all of North Alabama have taken over the years. Thanks to his strong leadership, the Huntsville area has become a center of missile research and development.
Senator Heflin is well known in Washington for his efforts on behalf of many issues. The Associated Press has called him the "Spokesman for Southern Agriculture," and Progressive Farmer Magazine named him "Man of the Year" for his advocacy of America's farmers and their products. During his career he worked diligently for improved transportation, such as the construction of I-565 and the modernization of the Huntsville International Airport. He expanded technology and medical research and wrote the law that protects researchers from terrorist threats and other threatening acts.
Senator Howell Heflin, wife Elizabeth, and MG Emmitt Gibson at the opening of the Howell Heflin Complex, 9 February 1998
First elected to public office in 1970 as Chief Justice of the Alabama State Supreme Court, Judge Heflin crafted the Judicial Article, which has become a model for court reform in other states. He furthered those efforts in the Senate by bringing about significant reform to the federal judiciary, especially through his legislation that revamped an antiquated Bankruptcy Code.
Howell Heflin is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama School of Law. He practiced law for many years in his hometown of Tuscumbia, and has been a member of the faculty at the University of Alabama, the University of North Alabama, and the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Senator Heflin retired from public service in early 1997 after having served the people of Alabama for more than a quarter of a century. Senator and Elizabeth Ann Carmichael Heflin, his wife of 46 years, had one son, Tom.
Senator Heflin died on March 29, 2005.
Photos (pdf) of Senator Heflin throughout his career.
