PIEDMONT—Paul Randolph Kowalski (Randy) of Piedmont, S.C. entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 23, 2018. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Frances Bagwell Kowalski; two children: Kelly Kowalski King (Jeff) of Cornelius, N.C.; Robin Kowalski of Piedmont, S.C.; four grandchildren: Sarah Bagwell King, Caroline Randolph King, Noah Francis Britt, and Jordan Randolph Britt.
A native of Anderson, S.C., Dr. Kowalski received his B.S. degree from Clemson University, his Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Divinity degree from Presbyterian College.
His love for God and deep faith in Jesus Christ influenced every area of Dr. Kowalski’s life and work. Upon finishing seminary, his first pastorate was at the Pendleton Presbyterian Church in Pendleton, S.C. from 1958 to 1962. He then ministered to the people of the Abbeville Presbyterian Church in Abbeville, S.C. from 1962 until 1967. In 1967, he became the senior pastor at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA. where he served for seven years. He spent the last 30 years of his career as the senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, S.C. from 1974 until 2004 when he retired.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kowalski provided counsel and advice to many organizations, committees, and partnerships. He was a trustee of the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and a former Director at Columbia Theological Seminary, where he served on the Pastor Advisory Board. He was a member of the Board of Visitors at both Presbyterian Home of South Carolina and Presbyterian College, where he was also on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Kowalski served on the General Assembly Committee on Theological Education, the Board of Directors at Christ Church Episcopal School, the Advisory Council at Montreat-Anderson College, the Advisory Board at Furman University, the Board of Directors at the Metropolitan YMCA (where he was the Board Member of the Year in 1998), and the Synod of the South Atlantic Council. Dr. Kowalski was also a Trustee of the Outreach Foundation, serving as Vice-Chairman and Chairman in 1991 and 1993, respectively. In 1987, Dr. Kowalski was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, following his active involvement in the Rotary Club including serving as President in Augusta and Greenville. Because of his allegiance to his alma mater, Kowalski was happy to be recognized as an outstanding graduate of Clemson University in 1988. Upon his retirement from First Presbyterian Church, he received the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in S.C.
The funeral service will be held Monday, March 26, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Easley, S.C., with burial in the church cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, S.C.
Memorials may be made to the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Building Fund, 101 Pisgah Road, Easley, S.C. 29642, or the Outreach Foundation, 381 Riverside Drive, Suite 110, Franklin, TN. 37064.
Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive is in charge of arrangements.
