Frank McGowan

GREENVILLE — Retired SC Circuit Court Judge Frank P. McGowan, Jr., 83, departed this life Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. He was born in Columbia, S.C., June 22, 1934. Son of Frank P. McGowan and Virginia Lancaster McGowan. His father was general counsel of Federal Land Banks of NC, SC, Ga., and Fla. for many years and his mother a graduate of Agnes Scott College.

Frank graduated A. C. Moore Grammar School, University of South Carolina and South Carolina Law School. Sophomore Davidson College. Attended a number of National Judicial College courses. He served two years in the US Army and 3 ½ years in SC National Guard prior to moving to Greenville, July 1, 1961. Was Honor Graduate NCO Academy 4th Division Germany and first Honor Graduate out of 136 Officer Candidate School.

While in Law School he did work part time with CPA Firm, during first year as Honor Council Representative; second year work Page in SC House of Representatives and 3rd year as Page of Lt. Governor in State Senate.

Active member of First Presbyterian Church, Chairman of Board of Deacons; President of Good Neighbors class and Men's Bible Class and two others; served one year as President of Stone School PTA; 40 years in Rotary Club of Greenville; member of Poinsett Club; Metropolitan Club St. Andrew's Society of Upper SC; Kappa Alpha Order Cotillion; He practiced law a number of years prior to becoming a full time judge as Master in Equity Greenville Country Club; SC Circuit Judge for 30 years. At a younger age through 1st Pres in Columbia, Frank had been cub, boy explorer and sea scout.

He had a difficult fight with cancer and neuropathy for many years losing 112 pounds at one point. He was a member of the Neuropathy Association.

"My wife" Dee Mitchell McGowan is one of the most lovely, darling and dear people possible. She has made and does make life so much more wonderful. Her abilities are utterly amazing. We love her.

Surviving are two sons, Frank P. McGowan, III and Eugene Bryant McGowan, his wife Alison M. McGowan and their three children, Reed H., Harriet S. and John Bryant McGowan; sisters Margaret M. Robertson (William) and Virginia Smith (H. Bronson, III).

Pallbearers and Honorees are Honorable Rex L. Carter, Honorable Harry A. Chapman, Jr., James C. Parham, Jr., Julian W. Dority, Richard N. Gribble, Mac James, John E. Johnston, Judge Alex S. Macaulay, Austin T. Moore, Jr., Towers Rice, Frank Spencer, James Barnes, Charles M. Groves and Judge Frank Eppes. Members of the Greenville Bar are asked to serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601, or charity of one's choice.

Private Interment prior to service. Service to be held at 3:30 PM Wednesday, November 15, 2017 conducted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.