Paul Bernard McGowan

Paul B. McGowan, age 66, lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Florida, suddenly passed away on the evening of Friday, October 6, 2017 at Memorial Hospital. Paul was involved in a motorcycle crash that inflicted severe brain stem trauma.

Paul was born on May 7, 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida, son of Richard & Evelyn (Hayes) McGowan. He was raised by stepfather, Harry Guilfoyle and mother, Evelyn (Hayes) Guilfoyle. Paul attended Christ the King Catholic School, Bishop Kenny HS (class of 1969) then earned an Associate’s Degree at North Florida Junior College. He also attended FSU, but left college just a few credits shy of graduation to begin his career at the United States Postal Service. Paul worked diligently as a letter carrier for 34 years, during which time he also raised his youngest daughter on a single father’s salary. Always very active in the union, Paul became employed as Executive Vice President of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 53 upon retiring from the USPS, and he served as a highly dedicated union officer until his last day on Earth. Paul was also a member of the Z.A.T. fraternity.

Paul McGowan was a man of simple needs, yet he possessed a mind of complex brilliance and a soul that lived to bring others joy. As an avid motorcycle rider for over 40 years, he loved riding his Harley for leisurely pleasure and on long road trips with his fellow riders. Paul also loved to fish and he enjoyed many weekends with close friends in Horseshoe Beach. He was one to contend with at a pool table and he was a loyal fan of FSU football. Paul was always singing and listening to music. As a matter of fact, he somehow knew enough songs that he had a humorous, unique habit of singing song lyrics that pertained to almost any story he listened to, or any situation he encountered. Paul was 100% authentic, funny, a leader, a friend to everyone, a man of true integrity, and he fiercely loved his family. He had a smile that could summon sunshine on a gloomy day, a hearty laugh, a wonderful child-like sense of humor, and he gave hugs that made you feel like the most important person in his life.

Paul McGowan leaves behind his beloved daughters, Sarah (McGowan) Fagan and Kerri McGowan; five grandchildren (Chelsi, Emily, Corey, Faith and Willow); two great-grandchildren (Lillie and Michael); three sisters, including his twin (Paula, Winnie and Kathleen); many nieces and nephews; and his son-in-law, Ryan Fagan. His death was preceded by his parents, Richard McGowan, Evelyn (Hayes) Guilfoyle; step-father, Harry Guilfoyle; his youngest sister, Mary (McGowan) Woolworth; and his niece, Dana Vance.

Paul will be cremated and a celebration of his noble life will take place at Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Services will take place at 2:00 in the afternoon on Friday, October 13, 2017. All family and friends who cherished Paul are invited to honor the legacy he leaves on this Earth.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.