Harry Stowers

Harry Stowers, chairman of Stowers Machinery Corporation, died recently at his home in Knoxville. Harry's death was quite sudden. He had no known health problems and had just returned from a trip to Europe with his wife of 55 years Sarah Hobson Stowers.

Harry and his two brothers, Eugene

S. Stowers Jr. and the late Richard F. Stowers, founded Stowers Machinery Corporation in 1960. Harry served as company vice-president and manager of the company's Chattanooga branch until 1982, when he relocated to Knoxville to assume the presidency of the company. He and his family had lived on Signal Mountain and were active members of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church.

Born and raised in Bluefield, W. Va., Harry was a graduate of McCallie School, Chattanooga, where he excelled in basketball. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University. During the Korean War, he was a first lieutenant in the Air Force and served parts of his tour in Okinawa, Japan. Harry joined Caterpillar Tractor Company after leaving the Air Force.

In Knoxville Harry was active in civic organizations and was known for his philanthropy and hard work for the causes he held dear. He was a member of the Knoxville Rotary Club, and served as chairman of the Helen Ross McNabb Center. He was a member of St. John's Cathedral and benefactor of the Episcopal School of Knoxville. He was also an avid tennis player.

Surviving Harry, in addition to his wife, Sarah, are two sons and a daughter and their spouses: Wes and Liz Stowers of Knoxville, Dr. Stewart and Samantha Stowers of Nashville, Adam and Jenny Stowers Brock of Knoxville; sisters Nancy Waugh and Sue Morrow; brother Eugene S. "Bud" Stowers Jr.; and eight grandchildren.