Edward Preston McDowell, 78, of Pisgah Forest, died at his home Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
He was a son of the late Hamilton and Pearl Ballard McDowell.
A native of Henderson County, he retired from fifty years of farm management including cattle husbandry, crop production and equipment operations. In retirement, his passion was growing a vegetable garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He served the Lord and touched many lives with his example of hard work and ingenuity.
Survivors include his loving wife of sixty two years, Eileen Kelly McDowell; two sons, Rodger E. McDowell and his wife Mary Catherine of Frostproof, FL, Richard P. McDowell and his wife Sharon of Granite Falls; three daughters, Debra Prince and her husband Daniel of Pisgah Forest, Karen Crawford and her husband Linwood of Shelby and Ellen Gordon and her husband Dennis of Horse Shoe; three brothers, Bobby, James and Grady McDowell all of Henderson County; twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and a very generous grandfather. He will be greatly missed.
A funeral will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday in the chapel at Forest Lawn Mortuary. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 pm Saturday in the chapel at Forest Lawn Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Little River Baptist Church Building Fund, 51 Little River Church Rd. Penrose, NC 28766.
May you each know God’s abiding love and comfort now and in the adjusting days to follow. Pleasant memories of happy times with one so dear who made positive impact on such a number of people must surely be treasures in your hearts. With sympathy, Kyle, Tabitha, and Jean Young
I know that Preston will surely be missed, but also know that God can fill that void. We know several members of the immediate family, and will keep you in our prayers. As I look at Preston, his brother Grady looks more like him every day.
God bless you and keep you in the coming days, and will fill that empty spot in your heart.
The Wilkie’s
Eileen, I was really sad to hear about Preston. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. He was so thoughtful and kind. May God Bless you Love Becky
I express my sympathy to this wonderful family. It has been so many years since I have seen Preston and Eileen. I will always remember the both of you fondly. God bless all of you!
Dear Eileen and Family,
We heard of Preston’s homegoing and rejoice with you that he has found his final resting place with His Father and Savior, Jesus.
But, after, 62 years together, we understand your pain and sorrow, and we grieve with you the loss of a beloved husband and father and brother. His obituary was beautifully worded and we agree that “He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and a very generous grandfather. He will BE GREATLY missed.”
Even though we hadn’t had the oppurtunity to visit lately, you’ll have always remained as beloved in our hearts.
We will miss Preston. He was a wonderful Christian example of all a man should be here on this earth. His will be a reward full of crowns for the blessing he was to his family and his fellow man. His fruit will remain and be an example to all of us.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will not be able to be with you on Saturday due to a mother’s day dinner with Mom.
She suffered a major heart attack on the Monday before Thanksgiving and had 5 major bypasses, a mitro-valve repair, and a pace maker. It was touch and go with her there for a while, so we cherish each moment spent with her.
Paul and I are the worship leaders at our church and we have to be there tomorrow, so we won’t be able to attend Preston’s funeral, but Mom and Samuel are planning to. But again, please know we love you and are thinking of you all. We pray for God’s strength and God’s goodness and mercy to surround you all the days of your lives, and that He will send His angels to stand guard over you and bring you peace.
Be blessed.
In Jesus Name,
Marian Ennis Boyd
(Margare’ts Daughter)
Our thoughts have been with the family especially JP. Look to the strengths he had to see you thru this time of sorrow.
All of us at Roess Mechanical
Let us know if we can be of help in any way.
Our sincere sympathy to all the family, especially JP. We know how much he loved his grandfather and how he will be missed.
Granny, Even though I cannot be there, I am with you in spirit. Grandpa, I love you. Richard, Sharon, Ellen, Dennis Karen, Linwood, Debra, Danny, and all the kids, you are all in my heart.
Richard, Sharon, and family
What a blessing to have a Christian father. Even though I never met your father I can see he was a great influence to many people. May all the precious memories you have give you the comfort you will need in the coming days.
It was an honor to have known Mr. McDowell, even though for a short time.