Gaffney, SC - - James Vincent (Bear) McGowans, 68, of 172 Tumbleweed Drive, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thanksgiving Day. He went peacefully with his loving wife of 47 years by his side.

Born in Gaffney, he was the husband of Susan Thornton McGowans and the son of the late Clarence McGowans and Thelma McDaniel McGowans. Mr. McGowans was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of Christian Heights Baptist Church where he was a deacon and sang in the choir. He loved his family, and his church family. He loved the Lord and he is having a grand ole' time in Heaven (John 3:16). He was a graduate of Gaffney High and Cleveland Community College, loved hunting, and fishing. Mr. McGowans was also an avid golfer, Gamecock fan, and loved all sports.

Surviving are two sons, Steven McGowans, of Pacolet, and David McGowans, of Gaffney; a daughter, Beth Blanton and husband, Phillip, of Boiling Springs, NC; three brothers, Robin McGowans, of Shelby, NC, Wesley McGowans and wife, Tina, of Cowpens, and Barry McGowans, of Shelby, NC; a sister, Linda Mullinax, of Gaffney; six grandchildren, Brittany Tennell and husband, Julius, Samantha Mason and husband, Tyler, Joshua McGowans and wife, Alicia, Aaron Earls and wife, Kim, Tori Henderson and husband, Wayne, and Austin Blanton; and four great-grandchildren, Bailey, Corie, Rylen, and Zoey. He was preceded in death by a brother, Darryl McGowans; and a sister, Teresa McGowans.

The graveside service will be on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 12:00 PM in Oakland Cemetery with Dr. Greg Little and Reverend Jo Mac Sparks officiating. The family will receive friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, Jack E. Daniels Chapter 54, P.O. Box 604, Gaffney, SC 29342; and Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC