Christopher Ray Gowin

Christopher Ray Gowin, 80, of Johns Island, South Carolina, peacefully entered into eternal rest at his home on Sunday, September 21, 2025, after bravely battling ALS. His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 in the Rockville Presbyterian Church, 2479 Sea Island Yacht Club Road at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends Friday, September 26, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel.

Born on January 9, 1945, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ray was the son of the late Christopher C. Gowin and Thelma Ewers Gowin. His early years were marked by his love for sports, which he pursued at E C Glass High School. Ray's talent and dedication earned him a football scholarship to the College of William & Mary, where he played under the guidance of Coach Marv Levy. It was during his time at William & Mary that he formed lifelong friendships that he cherished dearly. Ray's passion for football extended into his professional life. After graduating from William & Mary, he began his coaching career in Virginia Beach, VA. He later completed a graduate assistantship at Appalachian State before becoming the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, SC. In 1980, Ray transitioned to the food service industry, working for the Quincy's division of Spartan Food Systems. In 1998, he co-founded Progressive Restaurant Group and opened the first two franchises of Firehouse Subs. In 2002, Ray and three colleagues co-founded Southeastern Interstate Group, acquiring development rights in parts of SC, NC, GA, and TN. Ray's dedication and hard work supported over 100 Firehouse Subs franchises across these states. Ray was a longtime member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, SC, and upon moving to Johns Island, he began attending Rockville Presbyterian Church. Ray’s love of sports continued after he left the coaching profession. He continued to enjoy watching his children’s athletic activities as well as attending high school and college football reunions. He was also an avid fan of both William & Mary and Clemson athletics. In 2014, Ray retired to Johns Island with Jane, where they enjoyed a slower pace of life, watching birds and wildlife, traveling, and spending time with family.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Jane; their three children, Christopher Hills Gowin (Wendy) of Charlotte, NC, Allen Hamilton Gowin (Darshna) of Austin, TX, and Lofton Gowin DuBose (Blake) of Chapin, SC; and six grandchildren, Maelyn DuBose, Merrill DuBose, Asha Gowin, Kavi Gowin, Wyatt Gowin, and Ava Gowin. He is also survived by his brother, Terry Kent Gowin (Gail) of Virginia Beach, VA.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Christina West, Shanti Williams, Isley Evans, and Infiniti Mitchum for their loving care and support throughout Ray's battle with ALS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The ALS Research Gift Fund in support of Dr. Bedlack at Duke University’s ALS Program, 300 West Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701, Online donations can be made via: https://alsclinic.duke.edu/how-to-help/ ; William and Mary Athletic Foundation, HEYFARL, Kaplan Arena, 751 Ukrop Way, Williamsburg, VA 23187; Rockville Presbyterian Church, 2479 Sea Island Yacht Club Road, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487.

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