Robert Junior McCowan

Robert “Junior” McCowan was born on July 17, 1927, in Athens, Tennessee, to the late Timothy and Arliss Moore McCowan. He was also lovingly raised by his stepmother, the late Clemmie Hurst McCowan. He was one of seventeen siblings, and from this large, close-knit family came a man whose life touched thousands.

In 1947, Robert married his Proverbs 31 wife of seventy-eight years, Mattie Smith McCowan, whom he lovingly called Matt and “MY WIFE.” Together they built a legacy through their seven children.

Affectionately known as “Junior,” he was a loving, protective, and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He took great pride in the God-given gifts and talents passed down through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A faithful member of Light of Life Faith Ministries International for more than forty years, he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and Head Trustee, supporting his son and pastor, Dr. Harold McCowan, and his church family. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was also a skilled carpenter who helped build his church with his own hands.

Mr. McCowan was a true community servant. He was a retired Captain of Police and later a Supervisor with the McMinn County Highway Department. He loved hunting and fishing and, true to his “Jed Clampett” ways, rarely came home empty-handed. He excelled as a baseball player, both as a pitcher and hitter, and remained a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers fan. In his later years, he also enjoyed golf.

Known throughout McMinn County as one of the most beloved gardeners, he gave away countless vegetables to neighbors, family, and friends. He was also an accomplished auto mechanic, often repairing vehicles for loved ones and even strangers—many times without charge. Numerous nights, he left his bed to help someone in need.

Mr. McCowan will forever be remembered as a hard worker, kind-hearted, faithful, and loyal man. A modern-day Abraham, he taught his family to love God and people. His legacy will live on through his family, church, and community.

Preceded in Death

He was preceded in death by his parents Timothy and Arliss Moore McCowan; stepmother Clemmie Hurst McCowan; siblings Eula Mae Smith, J.L. McCowan, William Houston, Frank Edward, Timothy Clemmie McCowan , Hubert Ray McCowan, Charlotte Josephine, Willie Frances Latham, Clara Mae Simpson, Julia Ann Wells,Edna Mae Simpson, Helen Ruth Rucker, Ernestine Oggs and Anna Shields; and two Loving daughters-in-love, Cheryl McCowan and Pastor Beverly McCowan.

Survivors

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Mattie McCowan, and their children: Mayor Al (Christina) McCowan of University Park, IL; Pastor Dr. Harold McCowan of Cleveland, TN; Evangelist Richard (Patricia) McCowan of Park Forest, IL; Pastor Dr. RJ McCowan of Chattanooga, TN; Minister Perry McCowan of Athens, TN; Minister Beverly (Rick) Campbell of Knoxville, TN; and James (Anna) Arnwine of Athens, TN.

He dearly adored his 24 grandchildren: Kilzma (Ivan) Brown, Dasmin (Jasmine) McCowan, Tracey Nesmith, William (Michelle) McCowan, Natasha McCowan, Tiffany (Levar) Gilford, Shay McCowan, Kyrah McCowan, Reece (Dee) Dixon, Kristen (Brandon) Johnson, Kyeshia (Solomon) Williams, Yamika Arnwine, Rickeeva Mills, Chris Turner, Amy Arnwine, McKenzie(Shane) Lloyd,Bradley Ramsey,

Gabriel (Chelsea)Campbell, Robert (Morgan)Campbell, Brandon Ramsey, Javier (Shani) High, Tyler Obee, Atticus Arnwine, and Jakayla Arnwine. He was also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren who brought him exceedingly great joy.

He is further survived by his brother Chester McCowan of Niota, TN; sister Pauline (Jackie) Mayotte of Sweetwater, TN; brothers-in-law Jimmy Simpson of Athens, Tn. and Melvin Oggs of Sweetwater Tn., ; Special sister-in-law Minnie Long of Athens, TN; sister-in-law Judy McCowan of Sweetwater, TN; and a host of Special nieces, nephews, who faithfully Loved and Assisted in Caring for him…Also His Loving Church Family, numerous cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

“Junior” Will be immensely missed!

Home Going Celebration Service will be held a Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Light of Life Faith Ministries in Athens, TN., with Pastor Rev. Harold McCowan and Pastor R. J. McCowan officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the church. Interment will follow the service at Hammonds Cemetery.

Services of loving memory entrusted to M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home, Athens, TN.