Mr. Rufus McGowan passed away Friday, November 18, 2022. A service honoring his life will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022. The visitation will begin at 11am and the service will follow at 11:30am at Love and Faith Christian Fellowship Church; 4344 Blackberry Rd. Greensboro, NC, 27406. The internment will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery; 501 Statesville Blvd. Salisbury, NC 28144

Rufus McGowen, Sr. was born September 2, 1925 to the late Samuel and Charlie Mae McGowen in Laurens, South Carolina. He passed away on November 18, 2022.

He entered the United States Army in March 1944. During his service, he was a guard for Prisoners of War in World War 2. He was honorably discharged May 1946. He also worked at Guilford Mills and later retired from there.

Rufus was a Christian and loved the Lord. His favorite song was “I’ll See You in the Rapture.” He would light up when praying and giving praise to the Lord. A faithful servant, he also served in ministry as a deacon. In January 2022, he joined Love and Faith Christian Fellowship church and was a member there until his passing.

An avid boxing fan, Rufus boxed while in the Army and loved watching fights on television and talking about the sport. Well-loved by his neighbors and family, he loved spending time with his grandchildren when they came over. He also corrected kids in the neighborhood if he caught them doing something wrong.

Rufus was preceded in death by two daughters: Doris Marie McGowan and Bertha Lee Williams.

He is survived by his daughter: Mary R McGowan; his three sons: William Sartin, Rufus McGowan, Jr., and Reginald Williams; his sister: Bobbie Nichols; his brother: Sammy McGowan; his many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.