Mississippi is mourning the loss of a business giant.
Howard Industries founder Billy Howard Sr. passed away at the age of 99, the company announced on Wednesday. Howard was born in Louisville in 1927 and later became a star student-athlete at Mississippi State University, where he lettered in a trio of sports and earned an electrical engineering degree.
“What a privilege it has been to come to know Mr. Billy Howard and to learn from the example he set of building an economic powerhouse in the Pine Belt of his home state and reinvesting at every opportunity in his beloved Mississippi State,” University President Dr. Mark Keenum stated.
“As a leader, as an engineer, and as someone who provided countless jobs and opportunities for the people of our great state and beyond, Billy Howard maintained a reliable humility and was, from his youth to the end of his productive life, the ultimate teammate. MSU will miss his generosity and philanthropy, and I will greatly miss his wise advice and counsel.”
It is with profound sadness that the Howard family announces the passing of Billy Wilson Howard, Sr., founder and visionary leader of Howard Industries, Inc.
Mr. Howard was born on January 26, 1927, in Louisville, Mississippi, and lived a life defined by excellence, service,…. pic.twitter.com/rRe9KBAOhz
— Howard Technology (@howardcomputer) January 28, 2026
Before entering the workforce at General Electric, Howard served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
In 1968, Howard left his post at General Electric to start his own company, Howard Industries, in Laurel. From there, the business ballooned, growing into a billion-dollar company consisting of four separate divisions. Howard Industries is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of electrical distribution transformers.
Howard, a Mississippi Business Hall of Fame member and former Entrepreneur of the Year, was also involved in philanthropy, promoting education campaigns, and supporting athletics operations at his alma mater, Mississippi State.