Cover photo for James Kenneth "Ken" McDowell's Obituary
James Kenneth "Ken" McDowell Profile Photo
James

James Kenneth "Ken" McDowell

d. September 21, 2020

James Kenneth "Ken" McDowell, age 79, of Asheboro passed away on Monday, September 21, 2020 at Duke University Hospital. Mr. McDowell was born in Randolph County on July 28, 1941 to Hayes and Grace Gallimore McDowell. Ken was an accomplished singer. He served his country in the U.S. Army in the Special Service Entertainment Unit performing in Europe, and even sang for the King of Denmark. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Kenneth McDowell, and brothers, Junior and Everette McDowell. He is survived by his wife, Carole Sellers McDowell; daughters, Tamela Abboud (Hassan) of Raleigh and Shanna Darwish (Mohamed) of Cary; daughter-in-law, Stacy Asbill McDowell of Seagrove; grandchildren, Hillary Bunting (Aaron) of Asheboro, Ahmad Emara of Raleigh, Sara Darwish of Chapel Hill, Summer Darwish of Cary, and triplets, Salem, Noah, and Rose Darwish all of Cary; great granddaughter, Hadley Bunting; sisters, Mazie Owens of Asheboro and Martha Bundy (James) of Asheboro; and special friend, Eddie Hough of Asheboro. Ken was formerly employed with G.L. Harris (now Monroe's) and retired as a salesman for Bost Neckwear in Asheboro. He was of the Wesleyan faith. Ken became a member of the Men's Apparel Club of the Carolinas, Inc. in April 1975. He was elected to serve as a director on the Board in 1996. He would travel through the Vice President chairs until he became President on July 1, 2000. He was the 61st President, and the first to serve for two years. (Until that time the President only served one year). He moved to the Chairman of the Board seat for the years of 2002-2004. He returned to serve as Advisor to the Board for the years of 2006-2008. Executive Director Larry D. Holland stated, "I have served this organization since 1972, and Ken McDowell was one of the best President's that I served under." He always kept the membership uppermost in his mind. He was a member that tried to do what was best for the Mac's. He was very kind, humble, and thoughtful, and will be greatly missed by his friends, fellow MAC members and all of his retailer friends. Ken formerly sang with The Carolinians and with the NASCAR Chapel Team. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, antiquing, and eating at buffets. Ken loved life and being around people. Ken's body will lie in state on Friday, September 25, 2020 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will follow on Friday at 3:00 pm at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark C. Beane officiating. Burial will be held in Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, 11901 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Due to COVID-19 the family requests no visits at his home.
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Service Schedule

Past Services

Ken's body will lie in state

Friday, September 25, 2020

11:00am - 2:00 pm

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Funeral Service

Friday, September 25, 2020

Starts at 3:00 pm

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Final Resting Place

Friday, September 25, 2020

Starts at 4:00 pm

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