Dr. Grover Sowell, Jr.

Dr. Grover Sowell, Jr., age 81, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Dr. Sowell was born in West Palm Beach, Florida on June 12, 1928 to the late Grover Sowell, Sr. and Bantes Willis Sowell. After graduating from Southwest Dekalb High School where he was very active in FFA, Dr. Sowell earned his Bachelors of Science and his Masters Degree in botany from the University of Georgia and his PhD from Cornell University. He was employed for 25 years as a Plant Pathologist at the Georgia Experiment Station. Dr. Sowell was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Pauline Nichols. He was a member of the First Christian Church where he had served as an elder and Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Dr. Sowell is survived by wife, JoAnne Ratliff Sowell; children and their spouses, Susan and Mike Bryam of Pace, Florida, Robert and Jeannie Sowell of Griffin, Rita and Mark Poole of Griffin; grandchildren, David Byram, Phillip Byram, Matthew Sowell, Kimberly Sowell, Abbey Poole and Madison Poole; a sister and brother-in-law, Jessie and Norman Bruce of Gainesville; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Gail and Tommy Blalock of Griffin, Liz and Rex Young of Griffin, Herman Nichols; special friend, Ruth Stinson, and several nieces and nephews. Dr. Sowell was an active civic volunteer before his health declined. His service to his community began in high school as a volunteer in the Civil Air Patrol as a plane spotter during WW II. He was Boy Scout leader for Troop 2, active in Toastmasters International, Griffin Kiwanis Club, the Human Relations Group and the League of Women Voters. He was involved in the Georgia Conservancy where he helped establish the Cumberland Island National Seashore. He also helped establish a nature trail at Panola Mountain State Park in Decatur and a Boy Scout nature trail along the Flint River. The Griffin Boys Club honored him as Man of the Year. He served as president of East Griffin School PTO for many years. Dr. Sowell loved gardening and working outdoors. Memorial services for Dr. Sowell will be held at First Christian Church on Saturday, June 19 at 11:30. Visitation will be from 10:30 - 11:15 at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church, Autism Foundation, or a charity of choice.

Dr. Grover Sowell, Jr.

June 12, 1928 - May 30, 2010