Quinby Allen Jowers

Obituary
Lt. Col. Retired Quinby Allen Jowers

October 28, 1928- October 23, 2018

Near sunrise on October 23, on his beloved Yarrow Creek Farm, surrounded by his loved ones, Quinby Jowers peacefully sighed his last breath, ending a life well lived.

Just a few days short of his 90th birthday, Quinby was born on October 28, 1928, in Williston, SC ‘in the middle of ten children. Raised on an asparagus farm during the Depression his parents, Talbert and Lizzie Jowers, instilled a deep understanding of food insecurity, compassion, and generosity. He loved a good meal and often said that he was ‘raised with way too good of manners to ever turn down food.’

While attending Williston-Elko High school, his brothers were in serving in World War II, Quinby ran the family dry cleaners, worked on the family farm, and sang baritone in a quartet. Majoring in Ag Ed at Clemson, Quinby worked in the ‘Mess Hall’ and the Cooper Library. He served as a Company Captain and marched with the Senior Platoon. After graduating in 1952, he was stationed at Fort Benning, GA where he was an Instructor during the Korean Conflict. For 28 years, Quinby served in Army Reserve with various units, ending his career as a Lt. Col. with the SC Civil Affairs Unit.

Quinby was employed at the Savannah River Site for 39 years in Health Protection and as an Employee Counselor.

Quinby had a lifelong love of horses, farming, nature, playing the harmonica, and pretty girls. Actually, he loved ALL girls. Three weeks before he passed away, a young physical therapist was providing in-home service. “Mr. Jowers would you like to walk outside with me?”

“Well Yeah! But my wife would kill me!”

As a young man, Quinby was elected a Deacon of the Williston First Baptist Church. He believed that his calling was to serve others. His life’s motto was: “Every day is a good day. A Great day is one where you do something for someone who can’t pay you back.” Quinby lived many Great Days.

He served as a Boy Scout Troop Leader, Commander of the American Legion, Sunday School Teacher, President of the Men’s Ministry, and a volunteer with World Changers. Quinby served on the Boards of Directors for the Heritage Corridor and Williston Museum.

After retiring, Quinby was a devoted member of the Tuesday morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast, and he served as a Book Buddy at Kelly-Edwards Elementary School. Perhaps, one of his greatest joys was sharing his knowledge of nature with school children on field trips to his beautiful farm. Quinby was deeply honored to be named the 2005 Williston Citizen of the Year.

Quinby was a life-long storyteller and departer of great wisdom, especially to his grandsons and their friends.

‘There’s a lot of difference between looking good and being good looking.’

‘Remember, beauty will fade, but money is always green.’ ‘I’ll travel anywhere in the world as long as I can be back home in Williston by dark.’

Quinby loved his family. In 1954, he married Betty Fountain, of Pitts, GA; they made their home in Williston where they committed themselves to community service. After losing their spouses, Quinby married Jane Bell Way Adams in 1999. For years Jane sat in the pew behind him at the First Baptist Church. After her husband died, Quinby told folks that Jane jumped the pew and took up with him.

Quinby leaves behind a daughter, Terri Jowers (Williston), and a son, Kenny Jowers, and his husband, Robert Larsen (Point Arena, CA) who feel incredibly blessed to be raised by such a wonderful father who taught them to work hard, serve others, and be the voice for those in need.

Quinby was a wonderful role model and hero to his grandsons William Willis, (San Jose, CA), Andrew Willis and his wife, Lindsey Dill Willis (Charleston, SC) Great Niece, Misty Ely and her husband, Patrick of Daniel Island; step-children, Kim (David) Dandridge, Gayle Fletcher, Wayne (Gail) Way, Jim (Lisa) Adams; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Bruce Bates; sisters-in-law Mary Jane Jowers of Williston and Catherine Jowers of Blackville and a multitude of interesting nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by a son, Quinby Allen Jowers, Jr., brothers Tollie, Marvin, T.J., and Robert Jowers, and sisters Tulula Bennett, Lib Boyleston, Helen Green, Syble Greene, and Linda Bates.

You may continue Quinby’s support of one of these non-profits or ministries:

Suzy McCall Honduras Ministry, ℅ SAMS P.O. Box 399, Ambridge, PA 15003. Healthy Columbia, 4100 North Main Street, Suite 203 Columbia, SC 29203, www.HealthyColumbia.org; Elevator Fund, Williston First Baptist, P.O. Box 366, Williston, SC 29853, or you may also honor Quinby’s life of service with an act of service to others.