News
In Memoriam: Howard Grubbs
Nov 13 2024
The Womble Bond Dickinson family mourns the passing of retired Partner Howard Grubbs.
Howard served in several firm leadership roles during his long career at Womble, including as the former head of the firm’s Life Sciences Industry Group, as well as Toxic Tort, Environmental, and Energy Practice Group Leader. As a Chambers-ranked litigation and regulatory attorney, he served global and middle market pharmaceutical, agribusiness, and chemical companies for more than 30 years. Howard helped grow Womble’s client base and became a nationally recognized speaker and writer on issues vital to these industries. He also was instrumental in establishing the firm’s Greenville office, which opened in 1999.
But Howard was far more than just a great lawyer and partner. He loved his family, served his country in uniform, and will be remembered for his warm personality and sense of humor.
“Howard had a way of telling a story like no other and also of making those he came into contact with feel like long-time acquaintances,” Womble Bond Dickinson (US) Chair & CEO Betty Temple said. “While extremely intelligent and able to speak on a variety of topics with industry leaders, Howard never lost the ability to converse and connect with people from all walks of life. To quote a popular poem, Howard could walk with kings but never lost his common touch.”
After graduating from Denison University, Howard served in the U.S. Army for three years during the Vietnam War era. He began his legal career in 1977 upon graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He joined Womble’s Winston-Salem office in 1985 and practiced law with the firm until his retirement in 2014.
Our hearts go out to Howard’s family, including his wife, Mary Jo, daughter Meg, the firm’s former Charleston Marketing and Client Resource Coordinator, and his beloved grandson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the ZAP Endurance Foundation. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Click here to read Howard’s full obituary.
