J. L. "Paw Paw" Cowley

Amory – J. L. “Paw Paw” Cowley, 80, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at NMMC, Tupelo. Born on May 25, 1935, in Smithville, he was a son of the late L. L. and Effie Lou Nash Cowley.

Paw Paw graduated from Smithville High School with the Class of 1956 and he went to work at a young age. He initially worked at Amory Garment as a presser, where he met his sweetheart, Doris. Within 3 months, on June 29, 1958, he and Doris were married. Together they raised two children. Over their lifetime, they raised hundreds of other young children through their in-home daycare. Paw Paw drove for Walker and later drove for Wal-Mart until he retired in 1995. He also selflessly served our great country for 11 years in the US Army National Guard.

He was a very loving family man, who cared for all the children that came through his home over the years. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. He never met a stranger and he lived and loved life to the fullest. He always made people laugh yet he had a strong side should you need someone to lean on. A member of Meadowood Baptist Church, Paw Paw loved the Lord and was active in church. His Sunday School class, taught by H. Brannon, was one of his favorite places to worship and study God’s word. Some of Paw Paw’s hobbies included “cutting up” by having fun and picking on people. He loved hanging out at Wal-Mart and Renasant Bank and just visiting with folks. He took great pride in helping people in need and showing pictures of his great- grandkids.


Survivors include his wife, best friend, and soulmate of 57 years, Doris Cowley, Amory; daughter, Kay Hunt (James), Jackson, MO; son, Jay Cowley (Shelia), Amory; sister, Mattie Lou McCollum, Amory; brother, Earl Wayne Cowley (Barbara), Smithville; grandchildren, Katie Powell (Trey), Elizabeth Arrexi (Joseph), Karry Wills (Josh), Kevin Cowley, (fiancée, Courtney); great-grandchildren, Hayden, Jack Allen, Abbie Kayte, Isaac, and Hunter; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Robert Dykes and Coach Tucker.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Dr. Lloyd Sweatt officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ken Schoolar, David Mitchell, Kent Collins, Patrick Gallop, and Mark Gurley. Honorary pallbearers will be Coach Robert Tucker and Robert Dykes.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Meadowood Baptist Church Building Fund, 1512 Hatley Road, Amory, MS 38821

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