Retired Circuit Judge Gowan remembered for storied career
Retired Circuit Judge William A. Gowan died Dec. 20 after a fall outside a business near his Madison home. He was 81.
The funeral service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. at Parkway, with visitation preceding at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Parkway Memorial Cemetery. (See Obit, A5)
Colleagues recalled Judge Gowan’s 57 years in the legal profession, including 42 years of public service.
Longtime friend Steve Pickett of Raymond said, “Judge Gowan’s career spanned more than 40 years of service to the citizens of Hinds County and the state. His time as Circuit Judge was the highlight of his career....It was a place where he excelled after all of his life experiences.”
Pickett noted that Judge Gowan served by appointment of two Governors, Ronnie Musgrove and Haley Barbour, to fill vacancies on the Hinds County Court in 2002 and 2006. He also served as a special Circuit Judge by appointment of the Supreme Court from August 2008 through July 2010 to hear criminal cases. He was elected to the Hinds Circuit Court in November 2010 and took office in January 2011.
Judge Gowan retired from the Hinds Circuit Court bench on March 31, 2018. He continued his public service after retirement as a senior status judge, presiding over cases by assignment of the Supreme Court for another year.
His legal career spanned 57 years. In his early career, he practiced law in the Jackson firm of Waller, Pritchard and Fox, the law firm of former Gov. William Waller. At Judge Gowan’s retirement ceremony, then-Chief Justice William L. Waller Jr. recalled Gowan’s dedication, hard work and attention to detail when he worked at the law firm.
Waller noted that he was honored to have administered the oath of office to Judge Gowan twice. “As a Circuit Judge he tirelessly worked his docket to promote the fair, efficient and independent administration of justice, earning deep respect from all courthouse officials, the Bar and the public. His service and work ethic were exemplary, a legacy that will be long remembered.”
Judge Green recalled the Bible’s Micah 6:8 “...and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Judge Green said, “I am persuaded that Judge Bill Gowan complied with that mandate and has indeed found favor with God.”
Gowan began his public service career as an assistant city prosecutor in Jackson 1978-1990. He served as city prosecutor 1991-1994; and as assistant city attorney 1994-1998. He later worked in the administration of the late Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin, serving as undersheriff and counsel to the sheriff for 11 and one-half years.