Johnny Ray Mcgowan

Johnny Ray McGowan, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, May 14, 2023. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Grady Mimbs and Rev. Ken Rodgers officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 P.M. in Macon Memorial Gardens.

Johnny was born on April 17, 1947, at the Claxton Hospital in Dublin, Georgia, to his late parents, William Clyde McGowan, and Lollie Mae Crafton McGowan. He was a proud graduate of the Dublin High School Class of 1965 and earned a degree from the University of Georgia in agricultural engineering in 1970. After college, he worked for Georgia Power in Augusta as a commercial engineer for three years before returning to Dublin to work at Gold Kist, then as a peanut farmer. After he retired from farming, he owned and operated John McGowan Contracting, Inc.

While studying at UGA, he met the love of his life, Paula, on a blind date. According to God's plan, Johnny and Paula fell in love and had 52 beautiful years of marriage raising their three daughters and serving the Lord. Johnny dedicated his life to Jesus in 1973 and shared his love for his Savior every day for the rest of his life. He faithfully served as a deacon at New Bethel Baptist Church, with his primary ministry being to shut-ins and the elderly. He was always willing to bring a piece of equipment over and help anyone in need. His gentle, kind spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. He was a godly husband, father, grandfather, and friend who loved his family and gently guided them with his wisdom.

Johnny had a special interest in showing the value in things from days gone by. He loved "junking" for treasures, always ready to barter for a trade. He restored antique vehicles and loved the message of old gospel music. He especially loved his nickname of "Granddaddy" and enjoyed sharing his tinkering and farming skills with his grandchildren.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Edith McGowan Pease of Columbus, GA, and an infant brother William McGowan, Jr.

Left to cherish the memories they made with Johnny are his loving wife of fifty-two years, Paula Taylor McGowan of Dublin; his devoted daughters Julie McGowan of Savannah, Amy Duke (Brad) of Dublin, and Elsie Stevens (Chris) of Dublin; his grandchildren, John Morris Wood (Aria), Victoria McGowan, Jacob Wood, Taylor Duke, Thomas Duke, Tal Duke, Caleb Stevens, Noah Stevens; his sister, Judy Gower (Charles) of Columbus, GA, nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, John Morris Wood, Jacob Wood, Thomas Duke, Tal Duke, Caleb Stevens and Noah Stevens.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Taylor, Ellis Wood, Jackie Fussell, Raymond Wallace, Hugh Smith, Chandler Edmond, Ben Mercer and Jerry Griffin.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in memory of Mr. McGowan to New Bethel Baptist Church playground fund at 3051 GA-257, Dublin, GA 31021.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel is in charge of the funeral arrangements.