A Portal area man reported missing Tuesday was found dead Wednesday morning near his truck, according to Bulloch County sheriff’s reports.

Harold Wayne Howell, 60, of Old Dill Road, a former Georgia State Patrol trooper with Statesboro’s Post 45, was reported missing around 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to a release issued by Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson.

No foul play is suspected in Howell’s death, said Bulloch County sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jared Akins.

Howell, who had left home without his cellphone, was found deceased around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday off Banks Creek Church Road, near his truck, Akins said.

According to Saleana Langford, spokesperson with the Georgia State Patrol Department of Public Safety’s Human Resources Division, Howell was hired as a trooper cadet in April 1976. After attending trooper school, he was assigned as a trooper with Swainsboro’s Post 19 in 1977.

Howell later transferred to Statesboro’s Post 45 and was promoted to trooper first class in 1979.

In 1997, Howell was promoted to master trooper. He retired in 2000, Langford said.

“The Howell family has our condolences,” Akins said.

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.