Recently appointed Lincoln County Attorney W. Garrett Honea said he is excited about serving Lincoln County. “I’m always looking for ways to give back to my community,” he said.

Honea was born and raised in Lincoln County, graduating from Lincoln County High School in 2006. Following graduation he said had no idea, at that time, what he wanted to do next.

While working third shift at Frito-Lay, he began taking classes at Motlow Community College. One day, while stopping by Elk River Coffee, retired Attorney General Jim Kidd walked out of the coffee shop. They began talking. “He said he needed an office assistant,” said Honea. “He offered me a job.” Honea took the job,

See Honea, Page 4A |t> which he said piqued his interest in law. He was 19.

In 2016, Honea earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Nashville School of Law. “One thing I learned is that you don’t have to be the smartest, but you do have to have the right dedication,” he said. The longer you’re in practice and the more you know, the more you find out you don’t know, he said.

Honea said practicing law “is challenging and fun. It’s kind of like solving a mystery.”

Honea has experience in estates and estate planning, family law services, juvenile court, handling legal matters with the Department of Children’s Services and much more. In addition to serving his clients in Lincoln County and surrounding areas, Honea serves on criminal cases out of Lewisburg with District Attorney General Robert Carter in the 17th Judicial District.

Following Ed Simms’ announcement that he was retiring as county attorney, Jason Nix, a member of the County Attorney Search Committee, approached Honea asking if he would consider being a candidate for county attorney. “It sounded like something I would enjoy,” Honea said. On May 26, the Lincoln County Commission appointed Honea to serve as the chief legal officer for Lincoln County beginning June 1, 2026.

“I’m still trying to learn everything there is to know about various matters,” he said. He asks for patience from the county as he learns about what is expected of him. “Ed (Simms) has been good to me when I have questions or concerns,” he said. “He’s been very gracious in offering advice.”

Honea will be responsible for attending the budget and finance committees and Lincoln County Commission meetings along with the Lincoln County Board of Public Utilities. Other duties will include reviewing county ordinances, resolutions, contracts and bond documents.

“I’ll do the best that I can,” he said.

Despite all of his extra responsibilities, Honea said his religion and family come before his practice of law. He and his wife, Lauren, have three daughters, Bonnie Kate, Mary Alice and Liza Jane.

A longtime member of Fayetteville ARP Church where he serves as a deacon, Honea said he recently began serving as the young adult Sunday school teacher.

Honea’s law office, located at 108 College Street East, is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. To contact the office call 931-433-0023.