John Wayne McDowell, age 76 of Franklin, formerly of Winchester, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin. He was born in Fayetteville on July 19, 1948, to the late Carl and Evelyn (Burkhalter) McDowell. Wayne graduated from Alverson Draughn business college in Huntsville, Alabama, and went on to manage his family-owned Russell’s Department store. He loved Russell’s and had a passion for shoes…everyone remembers the Golden Goose! He eventually retired from Home Depot. Wayne served on the Winchester City Council and was a member of Franklin County Rotary club as well as the Winchester and Franklin Masonic Lodges. In his retirement, he was a member of multiple bridge clubs and volunteered for Take the Riens ministry. Wayne was an avid sportsman, enjoying all sports. He loved playing golf with his high school buddies at the Winchester Country Club, as well as cheering for the Vanderbilt Commodores. His girls remember his love for Tim’s Ford Lake and water skiing where they made the best memories. Wayne loved all things Christmas and model trains. Most of all, he was a wonderful, loving father to his daughters, and he cherished getting together with family and friends. Wayne was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and attended Rolling Hills Community Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Lynn McDowell; and sister-in-law, Susan McDowell. Wayne is survived by his loving daughters, Angie (Daniel) Meaker, and Melanie (Steve) Garrett; grandchildren, Megan (Zach) Miller, Allie (Peyton) Cornett, Mason Garrett, and Evan Garrett; great-grandchildren, Hazel Miller, Sadie Miller, Anneslie Cornett, and Maclyn Cornett; step-grandchildren, Liz Meaker, and Austin Meaker; brother, Phil McDowell; nephew, Cary (Holly) McDowell; and great-niece, Mary McDowell. Visitation will be from 12:30-2:30 pm on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Watson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 2:30 pm in the Chapel of Watson Funeral Home with Rev. Kris Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Watson Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2345
John Wayne McDowell
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