Howell Heflin was born on June 19, 1921, in Alabama. After serving in the Marines, he pursued higher education and taught political science at the University of Alabama. During this time, he also studied law at the university.
In 1971, Heflin was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, where he served until 1977. In 1979, he was elected as a conservative democrat Senator from Alabama, a position he held until 1997. During his time in the Senate, he became known for his role as Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics.
One of Heflin's notable achievements was his reputation as the voice of conscience among his fellow senators. His dedication to ethical standards in politics earned him respect and admiration from both sides of the aisle. In fact, President Ronald Reagan once considered appointing him to the Supreme Court, a testament to Heflin's integrity and legal expertise.
While Heflin's career was marked by his own accomplishments, he also came from a family with a history of notable figures. His cousin, Julia Strudwick Tutwiler, was a prominent Alabama educator and reformer. On the other hand, his uncle, 'Cotton Tom' Heflin, was known for his outspoken segregationist views.
Despite these contrasting influences, Howell Heflin forged his own path in politics, guided by his own principles and commitment to serving the people of Alabama.
After retiring from politics, Howell Heflin continued to be involved in various community and charitable activities. His legacy lives on through the impact he had on Alabama politics and the Senate Ethics Committee.
Howell Heflin passed away on March 29, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, ethics, and dedication to public service.