Paul Edward Cowley

Paul Edward Cowley, age 80, passed away peacefully Friday July 16, 2010 in Maryville, Tennessee, following a brief illness. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Gladys (Nelson) Cowley and his three beloved sisters Margaret, Mildred and Marie. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Betty (Moyers) Cowley, daughters Deborah Armstrong and husband Bill, and Dianne Coker and husband Mel. Also surviving are his brother Bob Cowley and wife Ruth, grandchildren Erin Armstrong, John Armstrong, Sara Armstrong, Marc Messer, Noah Marlowe and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was born April 5, 1930 in Lincoln Nebraska but grew up, and spent much of his adult life, in Toledo Ohio and then Ann Arbor, Michigan. Paul and Betty retired to Tennessee in 1990, first to Tellico Village and, most recently, the Shannondale Community in Maryville. Paul had a passion for life and his family and always strived to understand the world around him and make it a better place. He was active in his church, most recently First United Methodist Church of Maryville, and enjoyed playing bridge, shooting pool and, in his earlier years, water skiing, tennis and golf. During retirement he also discovered a love of acting and played a number of roles with the Tellico Village Players. He was affectionately known by several nicknames throughout his life. He was dubbed “Flash” during his high school years as he began his lifelong passion for photography. “Tall Paul Who Knows It All”, teasingly bestowed during his professional years, reflected his incredible genius and gift for problem solving. He was a research metallurgical engineer by profession but a natural born architect who put his talents to use in designing all the homes he and Betty shared over their years together. During his retirement years, he acquired the moniker of “Dr. Mac”, a diehard McIntosh computer fan, who was frequently called upon to solve technical equipment problems and taught many a friend how to use computers. Every activity he engaged in throughout his life was done with a singleness of purpose, utilizing his unique intellect heavily laced with good humor. He will be dearly missed by many. The family would like to thank the staff of Blount Memorial Hospital, Palliative Care and Hospice for their incredible care and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Paul’s memory to Palliative Care and Hospice Fund, c/o Blount Memorial Foundation, 907 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tenn. 37804 or another hospice of your choice. Interment will take place at the Tellico Village Community Church Columbarium. A memorial service is being planned for a later time.