Paul Robert Gowan, age 80, of Verdery Street, Harris, NC, died January 14, 2015 at his residence.

Born January 29, 1934 in Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Wallace D. Gowan and Dullie Gilbert Gowan. He worked in textiles most of his life and retired from J.H. Montgomery Mills of Chesnee. Paul was a faithful member and former deacon of New Bethel Baptist Church and enjoyed farming, gardening and woodworking.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Roland and Eugene Gowan; five sisters, Bonnie Foster, Virginia Green, Gladys Teston, Catherine Vickers and Wilma Russell.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Evelyn Alexander Gowan; daughter, Joyce Gowan Silver and husband, Ronnie of Harris; brother, Elbert Gowan of Shelby; one granddaughter, Mary Chappell and husband, Steve of Forest City; three great-grandchildren, Grant, Makenzie and Jaden.

Memorial donations are suggested to New Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, 223 New Bethel Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2015 at the New Bethel Baptist Church with Reverend Stephen Matheny, Reverend Terry Roach and Reverend Steve Chappell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.