Obituaries

Jack McDowell

CAMARILLO, Calif. Jack Holland "Sonny" McDowell, 80, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, after a battle with COPD. He was surrounded by his loving extended family at the time of his passing.Jack was born in Chattanooga, on Nov. 18, 1932. He was captain of his high school ROTC, and served in the U.S. Navy as a sonar operator until 1955. Jack graduated from the University of Tennessee, and worked on a masters of Business Administration at Syracuse University. On Sept. 15, 1956, he married Helen Marie Goolsby of Ringgold, Ga. His business career took him from Chattanooga to Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Waco, Texas, working as an executive for such companies as Central Soya, Fairchild, ITT, and eventually as a Vice President of Certain-Teed Corporation. Jack worked in consultant operational management, project management, acquisitions, divestitures, new business formation and start-ups. He served as Vice President of Wiggins Lift Co., Inc., located in Oxnard, Calif., since 1988.Jack was an active member of churches throughout his life, serving as a deacon and an elder for many years. He was on the board at a number of Christian schools. He enjoyed travelling, fine food and wine, golf, and especially spending time with his family and many friends.Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Helen, on June 4, 2003.He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Markus and Michele; daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Mark; grandchildren, Micah, Maya, Sarah and Hannah; his beloved Cynthia Swift, of Waco, Texas; sister, Dani of Newby, Tenn.; and many, many cousins, nieces, and nephews of numerous generations in Tennessee and other parts of the country.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Grace Brethren Schools in Simi Valley, Calif., and Texas Christian Academy in Waco, Texas.Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.

Published October 13, 2013

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