John Michael Sowell MD Army Colonel U.S. Ret.

Colonel John Michael Sowell, MD, U.S. Army Ret. passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2011, after a brief illness. Born on May 28, 1931 in Kershaw, South Carolina, he was the youngest child of Louis A. and Bessie Huey Sowell. Upon moving to and growing up in Lancaster, South Carolina, Mike was educated in the public schools and graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. He earned his medical degree at the Medical University of SC in Charleston fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor. Residency followed at Greenville General Hospital in Greenville, SC, where he met the love of his life, Peggy Windham, who was attending the Greenville Hospital School of Nursing. They were married in August, 1958 in San Antonio after Mike entered the U. S. Army Medical Corps as a medical officer. They began their first assignment in Alaska, and then continued their exciting life in the Army serving at various posts around the world. Mike was selected, trained, and assigned to perform as a Flight Surgeon, subsequently selected by the Surgeon General for a Regular Army Commission, and for Specialist Training in Public Health. Upon completion of his Masters Degree Program in Public Health at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Mike completed the remainder of his Residency Training at Fort Ord, CA. He then Commanded the 20th Preventive Medical Unit, Vietnam, followed by several Staff Officer positions in Major Command Headquarters to include the 44th Medical Brigade, Vietnam, 4th Army HQ., and US Army Health Services Command, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. He also served as the Hospital Commander for US & Allied Forces in Bremerhaven, Germany. He was awarded a number of Medals and Service Ribbons including the Bronze Star, and Legion of Merit. After 27 years of Army service, Mike retired and began a second career as a doctor at the State Hospital in San Antonio. Mike & Peggy, his wife of 50 years who preceded him in death, were active in the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, civilian social activities, and the Retired Officers Association in San Antonio. Having the gift of hospitality, Mike and Peggy enjoyed entertaining and hosting numerous friends and family members throughout the years at their home on Spanish Moss, The Petroleum Club, and Club Giraud. They were especially known for their wonderful Christmas gatherings. Mike is survived by his four nieces, Paula Williams and husband Dan, Katie Woodfin and husband Bruce, Lucy Granger and husband Ty, and Janet Ballard and husband Chris. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Louise W. Sowell and his brother-in-law, Paul Pless all of South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his brother, the Reverend Joseph H. Sowell and his sister, Mattie S. Pless. The nieces would like to thank all of those who cared for Uncle Mike during these recent months especially Alma Ramos, Dr. Paul Smith, Vista Care Hospice, and the wonderful nursing staff of the Army Residence Community Health Care Center for their outstanding kindness and attention shown to Uncle Mike during his illness.

SERVICE

THURSDAY

JULY 7, 2011

3:00 P.M.

ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

825 E. BASSE ROAD

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

ARMY RESIDENCE

COMMUNITY

7400 CRESTWAY

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

MONDAY

JULY 11, 2011

9:30 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

WITH MILITARY HONORS

Rev. Dr. David McNitzky, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alamo Heights United Methodist Church.