Theodore Jay McGowan

Theodore Jay “Ted” McGowan, 79, died on Sept. 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Keith and Ruth McGowan; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Robert Hoyt; beloved daughter, Traci McGowan; brother-in-law, Bill Haas, and nephew-in-law, Tim Copas.

Ted is survived by his wife, Pamela (Hallowes) McGowan; son, Jay Hallowes McGowan (Kylee); grandson, Reed Theodore; granddaughter, Molly Randal; sister-in-law, Page (Hallowes) Haas; brother, Bill McGowan (Judi). He also left behind nieces, Keri Allison, Kelli Zimmerman (Craig), Suzie Copas; and nephews, Kirk McGowan (Dana), Kade Haas (Diann), and Patrick Haas (Corey); as well as many grand, great-grand and great-great grand nieces and nephews.

During his life, Ted loved deeply his family, immediate and extended, his close circle of forever buddies. He appreciated a touch of bourbon, a clever mystery, a superbly grilled steak, but only if he were the chef, and his Auburn Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. A victory by either of these teams put a smile on his face and joy in his heart. A collector of jokes, Ted knew thousands. He had a joke or a story for every occasion.

Ted was a man who appreciated love, laughter, and humor, yet he was a steadfast stoic. He did not whine or complain about losses or obstacles. He accepted life as it was handed to him and moved on. “We will miss you, Ted. God speed!”

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Dugan (deceased), Butch Jones, Bill Whatley, Mickey Childers, Robbie Roberson, Ken Ealy and Lewis Brinkley.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.