John Plowden

Mr. John Edward Plowden, 68, of Greenville, South Carolina passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
John was born in Lancaster, South Carolina on April 3, 1956, to the late Patricia and Jesse Clifton Plowden, Jr.
He graduated from Christ Church Episcopal School, where he was a standout football player, and then attended the College of Charleston, graduating in 1979 with a bachelors degree. John spent many years working with Gusto Seafood in Greer, South Carolina, before moving to a 20+ year career in the industrial motor service and repair industry, last serving as an operations manager with Pro Electric Motor Service.
In 1988, John married Ellen, his wife of 33 years. He and Ellen enjoyed spending time with family and with their close friends in their prayer group. They often provided food, clothing, and other assistance to those in need in the Greenville community. John was a loving stepfather to Ellen's children and was adored as a wise and kind-hearted grandfather to seven step-grandchildren. He was an incredibly capable and resourceful person, and his understated sense of humor could always add levity to a conversation.
John had an unwavering faith in God and attended Mass regularly at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He faithfully prayed the rosary each and every day. He also served as a confirmation sponsor for his step-grandson Patrick, and he and Ellen were the godparents for his step-granddaughter Allison.
Outside of work and church, John had a passion for hunting, fishing, and cooking. When spending time at family gatherings at the beach, he would love to grab his gear in the early morning, walk down to the beach, and fish from the shore during a glorious sunrise. He enjoyed passing along his fishing knowledge to his step-grandsons, Robert and Patrick. John also loved caring for his cats, Tom and Bob, and they brought him much comfort with their quiet presence.
John is survived by his stepdaughter, Jean Mathern (Peter); stepson, Larry Kristinik (Melanie); son-in-law, Jamie Turner; step-grandchildren, Katherine Kristinik, Lily Turner, Robert Kristinik, Camille Kristinik, Colin Mathern, Patrick Mathern, and Allison Mathern; brothers, Tom Plowden (Kathy) and David Plowden (Cathy); and brother-in-law, Paul Cabler.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ellen; stepdaughter, Dayna Turner; and parents Patricia and Jesse Clifton Plowden, Jr.
A funeral Mass to celebrate John's life will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Clare's Home www.stclareshomesc.org/donate.
Condolences or your favorite memory of John may be left for the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.