Judge Howard spent a lifetime breaking down barriers, and began his service to our nation at the age of 18 in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his service, the Navy was segregated at the time. However, it was this personal experience that led him to become an attorney to ensure equal treatment for all under the law of the land.

When he retuned from the war, Judge Howard completed his high school education in Pine Bluff and went on to graduate with honors from the pre-law program at Lincoln University in Missouri. Howard then became the first African American student to live on campus at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree.

Throughout his life and career, Judge George Howard believed deeply in the fundamental idea of justice for all. Judge Howard’s distinguished service on the Arkansas State Claims Commission, the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Arkansas Court of Appeals and as a U.S. Federal Judge paved the way for African Americans in Arkansas to pursue careers in public service and the judiciary. He was admired for his fairness and will be forever remembered as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about his family, his work, his state and his country.

Judge Howard will be missed by his family, his community and all those who knew him and called him a friend.  I will continue to keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.