Robert Milton Sowell

Robert Milton Sowell, 87, of Kershaw, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at MUSC Health Downtown in Columbia, S.C. He was born on March 6, 1938, to the late Robert Lee Sowell and Ida Mae Bowers Sowell.

Mr. Sowell was a proud graduate of Kershaw High School, where he served as Salutatorian of the Class of 1956. He continued his education at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, and later earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Western Carolina University. He also completed a six-year administration program at the University of South Carolina.

An educator at heart, Mr. Sowell devoted his life to teaching and school administration. He taught high school English in Rome, Georgia; at Airport High School in West Columbia, S.C.; and at Kershaw High School. In addition, he taught adult education for 16 years. He proudly served as the first guidance counselor at Andrew Jackson High School and later as principal of Flat Creek Elementary School, before returning to Andrew Jackson High School.

Beyond his professional career, Mr. Sowell was deeply committed to his faith and community. He taught Sunday School for many years, served as a deacon, and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed camping and traveling with the Holiday Camping Club. Following retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively with Christian Tours, visiting many states, including Alaska.

Mr. Sowell is survived by his beloved wife of 65½ years, Evelyn Cureton Sowell, whom he met while in college; his daughter, Kaye Catoe (Clay); his grandchildren, Beth Catoe, Kristen Catoe, and Christopher Catoe; his sister, Nancy Bennett (Russell); brothers-in-law, Thomas Cureton (Lynda), Jack Cureton, and Victor Cureton; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special cousins, Frank and Sarah Ferguson.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Kershaw Second Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary, with the Rev. Dr. Jason Moss and Pastor Bryant D. Fersner officiating. Burial will follow in the Kershaw City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Bennett, Scott Cureton, John Gregory, Dean Horton, Michael McLemore, and Ashley Young.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Baker Funeral Home of Kershaw, South Carolina.