Obituary

Clarence E. Cowles, 84, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 31, 2013. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 34 years, Lila Lou Quicke Cowles. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Leigh Cowles McGuire; his son-in-law, Stephen Ron McGuire; and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Leigh Woodward. Clarence was an avid scholar who earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education from the University of Virginia, followed by graduate studies at the University of Oxford in England, UK. He will be remembered for his love of his alma mater and support of the Virginia Cavaliers. He was an accomplished teacher and social studies department head within the Richmond Public School System. Throughout a 40-year career before his retirement in 1991, he touched the lives of many students at George Wythe High School while imparting his vast and enthusiastic knowledge of history and government. He loved to read and was an eloquent writer, authoring many thought-provoking editorials for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He earned multiple Correspondent of the Day and Correspondent of the Year awards of which he was proud. He was a member of Branch’s Baptist Church and a Deacon Emeritus after serving as Deacon for 25 years. In addition to his written words, he was an eloquent speaker and enjoyed leading prayers and teaching the Jesse Welch Sunday School Class at Branch’s. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, January 11 at Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd. (Rte. 10). Interment will be private.