Charlie William Mcdowell

Charlie William McDowell passed away Monday, June 15, 2015.  He was born November 3,  1924 in Pineville, West Virginia, Wyoming County; the son of the late Jeter E. McDowell and Margaret Kirby McDowell, and grew up in Highlands, NC. His father came here as foreman to build the gorge road between Highlands and Franklin.

After graduation from high school, he joined the Army and was one of the "Greatest Generation", having served his country well during WWII in the Pacific.  After his discharge from the Service, he went to University of NC at Raleigh and became a professional land surveyor.  His career included several years with Alcoa then back to Highlands and opened McDowell‑Potts Real Estate and Land Surveying.

Charlie was chairman of the first Zoning Board of Highlands and also served on the Planning Board.  He was president of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, and longtime board member of the Highlands‑Cashiers Land Trust.  He was instrumental in reviving the interest and fund raising for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund.  This group also started the annual golf tournament for the Scholarship Fund.  He was Presbyterian.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Shannon McDowell; sisters, Tessie Hanley and Margaret Earls; brothers, Elmer, Roy and George.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; daughter, Susan and husband Mark G. Parrish; granddaughters, Coree McDowell, Brittany Dryman and Savanna Parrish; grandson, Mark Shannon Parrish; great‑granddaughter, Scarlett Porter, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, June 18, 2015 11:00 am in the Chapel of Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home in Franklin with Rev. Ronnie Branson officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10:00 ‑ 11:00 am, one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund, PO Box 460, Highlands, NC  28741 or Highlands Historical Society, PO Box 670, Highlands, NC  28741.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.