David Hibbs Vowell

Dave was born February 3, 1949, in LaFollette, TN. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Ann; his son, Tim (Chrishonda) O’Roark; his grandchildren, Shaun (Ciara) and Heather and great-grandchildren, Baylor and Blakely, his sister Debbie Ann Burgan and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents R. E. & Mildred and his brother, Tim.

Dave attended the University of Tennessee and graduated in 1972 with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering. He went on to earn an MBA from Houston Baptist University in 1983.

Dave worked at Norton Company, Natco Group and concluded his 35-year sales career in the oil and gas production and water treating equipment business at Cameron International in 2013. He enjoyed domestic and international travels and the opportunity to see the world.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed following the University of Tennessee Volunteer teams, he found joy in riding his bike, working out to his favorite 60’s and 70’s music in his man cave with the extensive sound system he’d created, mowing the yard, and maintaining their home of 35 years. He loved gadgets and electronics and was always exploring the latest ones.

In complying with Dave’s wishes, the arrangements are as follows:

For Houston/Texas friends and family: We will only be holding a visitation with the family at Earthman Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Frwy., Houston, TX on Monday, December 9, 2024 between 4:00 p.pm. – 7:00 p.m.. www.EarthmanHuntersCreek.com

A private Family-Only gathering will be held at their residence this weekend.

For Out-of-Town family and friends (so that travel to Texas will not be necessary): In the Spring, Ann will take Dave home to Tennessee where a celebration of life will be held. His ashes will be scattered at his request. Date and details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dave’s memory to:

Friends of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Inc., 3099 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Kodak, TN 37764

https://friendsofthesmokies.org/make-a-gift/

Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy Ste 410, Rockville, MD 20852

https://connect.fisherhouse.org/

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN

https://www.stjude.org/

The family sends their heartfelt thanks for the loving support and friendship extended throughout this challenging time. A sincere thank you to our wonderful neighbors, Cathy and David, for the meals, the help, and your friendship.

A special thank you to Dr. Robert Wolff and his staff at MD Anderson for their guiding hands, and to the hospice nurses and caregivers who provided compassionate care of Dave.

A heartfelt thank you to siblings, my rocks, Tina & Mike, Becky, and Mark & Josefina for their love and support throughout, and especially to Steve for being by my side at home with Dave through the end.