Mr. Willie F. "Mac" Mcgowan, 82

AUTRYVILLE Willie F. (Mac) McGowan Retired CW3 Willie F. (Mac) McGowan passed away Friday, June 15, 2012, in his home surrounded by his wife Betty and daughter Michelle. Mac McGowan served in the army for 22 years, serving the United States in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was proud to serve with the 7th Calvary. Mac received his long overdue welcome home and thanks for his service when he attended the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on March 31st this year. He was unable to attend the veteran's homecoming celebration in Fayetteville due to his cancer treatments. He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse Leroy and Sallie Mae McGowan, brother Jesse (Skeet) McGowan of Florida, and sister Betty Jean Coble of Arizona. Mac is survived by his wife Betty of 41 years; daughter Michelle of Stanley, North Carolina; daughter and son-in-law Sherion and Dwight Godwin of Greensboro, North Carolina; two grandsons Michael Godwin and his wife Holly of South Carolina and Stephen Godwin of Greensboro, North Carolina; and two great-granddaughters Kayla and Kameron Godwin of South Carolina. He is survived by his sister Dorothy Adams of Florida and brother Frank (Butch) McGowan of New Mexico. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Myrtle Autry of Autryville, North Carolina, sister-in-law Faye Autry of Autryville, North Carolina, niece Cindy Bedard and her husband Mark of Autryville, North Carolina and their sons, his great-nephews, Cole (9) and Dakota (5). Cole and Dakota were a source of constant joy to their Uncle Mac. They shared many adventures together. Uncle Mac was not just their mentor he was their hero. In the past 20 years Mac and Betty explored the many wonders of North America together traveling as many highways and less traveled roads as they could get their RV through. Mac never forgot to stop and see the beauty in all of God's creation whether it be the sun setting in Wyoming or rising on Prince Edward Island. Of all his travels Alaska had his heart. After having served in Alaska as a young soldier when it was still a territory he vowed to share its beauty with his wife Betty. Eight trips later his daughter Michelle inquired why her parents would return year after year and she discovered the answer when she traveled with her mom and dad through the great state of Alaska two more times. The photos are beautiful, the stories are grand and the memories are endless. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of Autryville Church of God, 208 North Street, Autryville, North Carolina on Monday, June 18, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 19, at Cumberland Memorial Gardens on Raeford Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Larry Autry officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Autryville Church of God, PO Box 69, Autryville, North Carolina, 28318. Online condolences may be made at butlerfh.com. Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home in Stedman.The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of Autryville Church of God, 208 North Street, Autryville, North Carolina on Monday, June 18, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 19, at Cumberland Memorial Gardens on Raeford Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Larry Autry officiating.