Charlie McGowan Sr. was born November 23, 1918 in Shubuta MS, he was the second child born to Howard and Hannah Jettie McGowan. Charlie’s childhood years were spent in Mississippi. This is where he attended school at Saints Industrial, which was a small school house that taught grades 1st-12th. Charlie grew up in the middle of the Great Depression and like most men during that time period; he gave up attending school in the tenth grade to help support his family by working odd jobs.
At the age of 24 Charlie enter the US ARMY on August 14, 1942. He toured Europe, Korea, Japan and all over the Continental US specializing in the field of Automotive. Charlie successfully graduated from the transportation and engineer-ordinance school. Completing training in the wheel vehicle mechanics course, Charlie gradually moved up the ranks becoming corporal in 1947, and advancing to SFC in 1949. He also achieved getting his GED through the US ARMY on January 25, 1962. He was a veteran of WWII as well the Korean War. His final duty station was Fort Ord, CA. with twenty plus years of faithful service and he was Honorably discharged.
Charlie married Willie Mae Bell McGowan on October 29, 1949, in Holmes County, MS. The couple settled down in Seaside, Ca. to start a family and buy their home. From this union they had three children, Charlie McGowan Jr., Cynthia McGowan, and Harold McGowan. They remained committed to each other until the LORD called Willie Mae home. After retiring Charlie spent most of his time cooking, gardening, building and reading.
Charlie met Mary Hunt in early 1993, they built a strong friendship, and enjoyed walking on the beach shoreline, traveling, serving food at the Oldemeyer Center, and spending time with their grandchildren. On June 10, 1996 the two married. Mary was a dedicated wife to Charlie for 17 years and stood by his side until the very end.
Charlie was a faithful member of Hays CME church in Seaside for fifteen plus years. He was in the sanctuary choir, also a member of the steward board in the church.
We will all miss Mr. McGowan delicious BBQ ribs, sweet potato pies, fresh from the garden tomatoes and other dishes.
Charlie leaves behind his wife of 17 years Mrs. Mary McGowan (Seaside, Ca.) son’s Charlie McGowan Jr. (Seaside, Ca) and Harold Lee McGowan (San Francisco, Ca) Bro. Edward, Sis. Theresa, Granddaughter, Charlene, Kendra Nicole McGowan (Seaside, Ca.) siblings, Lewis McGowan (Akron, OH) Margie Faulkner (Akron, OH) and James McGowan (Akron, OH) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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