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Wallace Howell, Sr., 73, of Bainbridge, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024.

A private graveside funeral service will be held at Sylvania Cemetery with Rev. Gwan Garrison officiating. Wallace’s grandchildren and nephews will serve as active pallbearers.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

David Wallace Howell was born April 30, 1950, in Bainbridge, GA, the son of W.S. & Mildred Ingram Howell. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Georgia Southern University where he served as President of Student Teachers of GA. Wallace taught history at BHS in the early 70s. Wallace is probably best known for his work at Bass Pro on the Square in Downtown Bainbridge with Mr. Bud Harrell, Wallace Howell Sporting Goods (later Bainbridge Sporting Goods) on Scott Street, and guiding at Jack Wingate’s and the boys camp. He retired from Hicks Inc., doing what he loved most, selling sporting goods. Wallace was a member of Sylvania Methodist Church. 

Wallace had a dry sense of humor and seemed to never know exactly why you were laughing so much. He loved to spin tales and share them all over his sales territory. The walls of the sporting goods store were bound with years of truth, lies, and everything in between but mostly with the bond of friendship. Wallace enjoyed fishing, talking about fishing, and teaching others to fish. He fed the geese so much at the Boat Basin, he named them, and they responded to their names. Wallace loved Elvis Presley music. No one knows if he truly loved Elvis or just pretended because Rhonda didn’t care so much for The King.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Rhonda NeSmith Howell; his children, Kimberly Hornsby (Victor) of Iron City, and David Howell, Jr. (Sarah) of Bainbridge; his grandchildren, Brantley & Myra, Jordan & Will, Nick & Beth, and Lee; his great-grandson, JD, and another great-grandchild on the way; his sister, Joan Howell Broxton (Greg) of Mayhaw; Bea, his best dog; and a large extended family. In addition to his parents, Wallace was preceded in death by his siblings, Freddie Howell and Judy Garrison.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)