Obituary of William Stowe

William Ernest Stowe, Jr. William Ernest Stowe, Jr. , 88, known as ?W.E.? or ?Bill?, born in Rock Hill, SC on November 23rd 1922 to William E. Stowe, Sr. and Janie Campbell Smith Stowe. He was part of the Stowe clan whose American roots date back to 1654. Always devoted and loyal, he cherished his family. W.E. entered Clemson University in 1940, where his education was interrupted by WWII. 2nd Lieutenant Stowe served in Europe throughout the war, in the 42nd Rainbow Division, serving actively until 1946, retiring as Captain Stowe. He continued to serve in the Reserve forces until 1961, retiring as Major W.E. Stowe. After his active service, he graduated Clemson in 1947, and remained a staunch and faithful ?Tiger? throughout his life. As a young engineer, W.E. started at Biberstein, Bowles, Meacham and Reed. He retired from Biberstein Bowles as a partner, known industry wide as one of the most conscientious professionals in the city of Charlotte. The things that were important to him were church, family, doing a job well, good food and fun. W.E. and his family were active members of Avondale Presbyterian Church for over fifty years. W.E. was known for his regular visits and care of his relatives and friends, often taking his homemade Cheese Biscuits along as a gift. He never turned down an opportunity to dance and loved a good joke. Many occasions for laughter were provided by his family, William Ernest Stowe, III, Jane Holbrook Stowe McDade, Glenn Taylor Stowe and Irene Elizabeth Stowe Hale. His second wife, Nell Simpson Stowe was his sweet, and loving companion for the last eight years of his life. His first wife, Kathleen Hardee Stowe, was the mother of his children and his best friend for 43 years. She preceded him in death, as did his sister, Martha Elizabeth Stowe, and sister-in-law Irene Hardee. W.E.?s grandchildren are: William Douglas McDade, Angela Elizabeth Stowe (daughter of Glenn Stowe), James Andrew McDade, Keith Sebastian Hale, Isabelle Rosemary Hale, Molly Taylor McDade, Avery Ernest Hale, and Kathleen Sarah Hale. The in-laws he embraced as his own are Mary Coleen Wassell Stowe, wife of Glenn Stowe and Keith Eric Hale, husband of Elizabeth Hale. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Avondale Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 10th at 12:00 Noon with Dr John Earl presiding. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church following the memorial service. Memorials may be made to Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.