*Reverend R.T. McGowan was born the 3rd child of the late Roscoe E. and Rebecca Lewis-McGowan on November 16, 1943, in Foxworth, MS. He peacefully departed this life on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Wesley-Merit Health Center in Hattiesburg, MS @ 12:30 AM surrounded by a loving family.

*He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and joined The Little Rock M.B. Church in 1950 under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Luther McEwen. R.T. served faithfully here as an usher, deacon, finance team, youth director, VBS director, and summer feeding program director. He served as associate pastor for 16 years—leading many souls to Christ. He matriculated in ministry and God elevated him to pastor The St. James M.B. Church in McComb, MS for 36 years. Rev. R.T. worked faithfully and tirelessly to improve the church and had a tremendous, positive impact in the community. God blessed him to add numerically, financially, and spiritually to St. James. He led the construction of a new sanctuary in 2001 and paid off the loan in 2015. He also served 10 years as pastor of Rocky Hill M. B. Church in Lexie.

*Rev. McGowan was a lifelong resident of the Little Rock community of Foxworth, MS. He was educated in the Marion County School system. He was licensed and ordained in the ministry in 1975. He is a graduate of the Harper Baptist Seminary and has completed ministerial coursework at various institutions, including Vanderbilt University. Rev. R.T. earned doctorate degrees from Life University and Kneebone College.

*Rev. McGowan practiced what he preached as a compassionate, honest, and humble servant of God through a life dedicated to service to his fellowman. He served as a district usher, field missionary, advisor, and Moderator of the West Pearl River District Baptist Association, founding the Ministerial Alliance. He faithfully served as an active board member of several business and civic organizations. R.T. served about 60 years in many positions including: advocate, treasurer, and finally president of the Marion County branch of the NAACP. He was chaplain of the Little Rock Masonic Lodge #592, P.H.A. & 14th District Masonic Lodge.

*R.T. worked on the family farm; Marion County Beat 3 road maintenance; P.R.V.O. Headstart for 18 years (bus driver, cook, & mechanic); and Marion County Schools for 26 years, retiring as transportation supervisor.*He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tollie T., and sister Claratee (Henry Ray) Foxworth, nephews Henry Ray, Jr. & Royce, and great-nephews Vincent & Lamont.*R.T. married the love of his life, Donnis Brown November 25, 1971 and enjoyed over 50 years of holy matrimony. They were blessed to be fruitful and live an abundant life together.

*He leaves to cherish his memory his wife; sons, Myron (Carla) and Darrick; grandchildren: Kristen, Phillip, Aharon, Adam, and Mya; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Yamari; nephew Reginald (Catherine); great-nephew Reginald II; and a host of relatives and friends.

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