James "Bunchy" Edgar Gowan

Mr. James (Bunchy) Edgar Gowan, 91, of Campobello, SC went to be with his dear Lord on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Born in Turkey Paw, SC on March 15, 1932, he was the son of the late Clarence C. Gowan and the late Hester “Estelle” (Newman) Gowan Stone. He married the late Ruby “Faye” (Splawn) Gowan in August of 1950, and they proceeded to have five children. Bunchy was a United States Army Veteran and served from April 1950 until he received an Honorable Discharge in April 1953. He served primarily in Korea and received the United Nations Service Medal Korea with 6 Bronze Service Stars. Bunchy returned home and lived with his wife and children in Valley Falls, SC. He worked at Mayfair Mills for many years and retired as a supervisor. He then moved to Campobello, SC with his wife where they lived out the remainder of their lives surrounded by family. He is survived by a daughter Sandra McGraw and husband Charles of Spartanburg, a son, Christopher Patrick Gowan of the home in Campobello, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews and their children. It is not known who taught him the guitar, but he loved to play and to sing. We have fond memories of him strumming away while singing with his wife, a song called “Will there be Sweethearts in Heaven” and they would always smile so sweetly at one another. Family gatherings were always filled with music, singing, love and laughter. We are proud of our father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, and uncle. He was a strong but tender man with a sweet and humble spirit. He was a gentleman, he worked hard, and he loved his family deeply. We thank him for his service to our country and we will always remember how special he made each one of us feel; like our visit made his day. He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ruby “Faye” (Splawn) Gowan; two sons, Charles Edgar Gowan and Benny James Gowan; a daughter, Sharon Elchisco, a son-in-law John Elchisco; a daughter-in-law Kathy Gowan; three sisters, Juanita Laws, Hilda Mathews, Dorothy Smith; and beloved stepfather Lee Stone. Our family sends a special thank you to Agape Care and Mr. Steven Mull. The family will receive friends on Tuesday February 13th at 2:00pm at Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC. Services will immediately follow at 3:00pm. The burial will proceed afterwards at Heritage Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org