Clyde Harrison McDowell

He obtained a degree from a business college in High Point where he met Frances, whom he married on 12/25/1940 (Christmas Day).

He joined the Navy in Jan of 1942 after Pearl Harbor, and served in Naval Intelligence, first in Charleston SC, and then Savannah Ga.

After finishing his Naval service, he and his family returned to High Point NC where he started working with Sears & Roebuck. During this time he applied to college, choosing Duke University. His graduation ceremony (in 1949) was the first event held in Cameron Indoor Stadium. He loved to point out the picture in Cameron that showed this event! After graduation, the family lived in Durham for a short time, and then moved to Raleigh, where he has lived ever since. He continued working with Sears until his retirement in1983 as one of Sears’ longest serving employees. As a life-time member of the Iron Dukes, he and Frances enjoyed travelling to many of Duke’s sporting events. He was also active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and local Kiwanis, achieving high rank in both.

He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate of 46 years in July 1986.

He continued to remain active, adding computer skills and teaching as a volunteer with Raleigh Parks.

Clyde was known for his great sense of humor and a sly grin (especially noticeable when he is about to stump you at a card game, or amaze you with trivial knowledge).

Throughout his life, he loved family summer vacations at the beach, teaching his children, grand-children and great-grand-children how to fish, love life, and be responsible citizens of this great land.

A long-time volunteer at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, Clyde has helped in many areas, including manning phones, counting offerings and attendance, and was the designated treasurer of his Sunday morning Sunday School Class.

He moved to Woodland Terrace in 2018, making new friends, while continuing some of his volunteer efforts.

Clyde is survived by his three children – Helen (and Robert Ross of Charleston SC), Clyde Jr (significant other Jeanne of Houston TX), and David (and Barbara of Raleigh NC), 4 grand-children – Christopher (Katy), Susan (Pete Luongo), Bryan (Meghan), and Andrew – and 4 great-grand-children (Harrison and Averie McDowell, Grey and Blake Luongo).

Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, a private, family only graveside will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park on December 8th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 W Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603- 1714; Raleigh Kiwanis Foundation Inc, PO Box 12, Raleigh, NC 27602; Or a charity of your choice. All should be noted as a donation in Memory of Clyde McDowell

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.