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BORN
1952
DIED
2025
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Joseph McGowan Obituary
February 4, 1952 - May 31, 2025
Laurens, South Carolina - Retired family court judge, Joseph W. McGowan, III, beloved husband of Eleanor (Suzie) Harvey McGowan, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina on February 4, 1952, he was the son of Joseph W. McGowan, Jr. and Ellen Virginia Mims McGowan. He attended public schools in Charleston and graduated from St. Andrew's Parish High School. While in high school he played keyboards for "The Miracle Makers", "The Shoresmen", "The Dawks", "The Malibus", "The Testament", and "The Counts" at venues such as "The UFO Club" in Columbia, South Carolina, "Alice Underground" on Folly Beach, "The Old Side" and "Art's New Seaside" on the Isle of Palms, "The Caravan Supper Club" in downtown Charleston, and "Jeromes" and "The Downtown Lounge" in Boston, Massachusetts backing up recording artists such as "The Original Drifters", Major Lance and "The Tams".
He graduated with honors from Newberry College where he was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Order, becoming his chapter's president his senior year. Later he was admitted into the Graves Province Court of Honor.
Judge McGowan later graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law and entered private practice until he was elected to the family court bench in 1999. He retired in 2017 and began a successful mediation practice. Prior to his election he served as a commissioner of public works for the city of Laurens, South Carolina and on the University of South Carolina Board of Visitors. He was a proud South Carolina Gamecock.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by the following children: Dr. Joseph W. McGowan, IV of Charleston, South Carolina, Marshall West McGowan (Kate) of San Diego California, Jay Alan O'Dell (Jessie) of Summerville, South Carolina, and Janna Leigh Brown (Donnie) of Newberry, South Carolina; the following grandchildren: Lucas Jay O'Dell, Jacob Parker O'Dell and Caroline Grace Brown; adopted grandchildren: Kevin, Alex, Elijah, Wyatt, Emily and Avery O'Dell; and a sister, Pamela Jo McGowan Miller of Loganville, Georgia.
A celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, 4-6 PM at the Lake Rabon Estates Clubhouse, 302 West Peninsula Drive, Laurens, SC.
The family will be at the home.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Laurens, 300 West Main Street, Laurens, SC 29360 or online at https://www.fbclaurens.org/online-giving-form.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.thekennedymortuary.com.
Kennedy Mortuary and Crematory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McGowan
2 Entries
Pamela Miller
June 7, 2025
Can't believe you're gone You are Joe to all who knew you but to me you will always be Tinky I remember so well all the days taking you to the playground and walking you to school Halloween was a treat for you but for me it was big Sisters time with her little brother I can't tell anyone just how much you will be missed and remembered I love you and will see you real soon Sis
John H. Thomas
June 5, 2025
So sorry to hear this about Joe. I played music with him in the 60´s in a band called The Malibu´s. He was a great musician. Our band from Charleston traveled a lot. He was with us on the Boston/ New York City trip in 1968. It was a great experience
I recently reconnected with Joe on Facebook Messenger. I wish now I had taken the time to reach out in person. It certainly sounds like Joe had a good family. I´m proud to have known him. I´m so sorry he is gone. John Thomas, JAX Florida
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The Kennedy Mortuary & Crematory - Laurens606 W. Main St., Laurens, SC 29360
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