Benjamin Marshall Stowe, 93, of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2014, at PruittHealth in Rock Hill, SC. Ben was born in Belmont on August 19, 1921, a son of the late James William and Zada Rankin Stowe. He attended high school at Belmont Abbey, then entered The Citadel in 1939. During his junior year, the United States entered World War II, and he joined the US Army Air Corps as an air cadet. He rose to the rank of captain and became a flight instructor. In 1945, after completing his military service, he worked in the textile industry as a cotton broker for Southern Yarn and Processing. On February 28 of the same year, he married the love of his life, Sara Wright, and together they raised their family in Belmont. Ben was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Belmont and a past commander of the American Legion, Post 144. He loved living on Lake Wylie where he enjoyed boating, water skiing and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sara Wright Stowe; brothers, James William Stowe, Alfred Rankin Stowe, Henry Gilbert Stowe; and sister, Willie Stowe Franklin. He is survived by his daughter Sally Stowe Bashant of Belmont; sons, Benjamin Marshall Stowe, Jr. of Charlotte; William Earl “Wes” Stowe and wife Pam of Belmont; grandchildren and spouses, David and Gretchen Bashant of Belmont; Michael and Laura Bashant of Tampa, FL; Catherine Bashant of Gastonia; Will Stowe of Charlottesville, VA; Ashlee Stowe of Raleigh; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, Thursday, November 13, 2014, in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Belmont followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm with Rev. George Ragsdale officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the Gaston County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 807 South Point Rd., Belmont, NC, 28012. Condolence messages may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the family of Mr. Stowe.
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