Raymond A. McGowan Jr., also known as Gar, age 70, husband of Barbara (Smith) McGowan passed away on Thursday February 18, 2021 in his home. Ray was born January 7, 1951 and a lifelong resident of Phoenixville.

Ray graduated from Phoenixville Area High School in 1968. He then attended West Chester University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education.

Ray was a sports lover. As a child he played baseball for Phoenixville Babe Ruth League. While in high school he played for the Phoenixville football team as well as the basketball team. He was such a huge fan of sports that in his twenties he organized a basketball team called Gar's Stars and played flag football.

In addition to loving sports, Ray loved music, especially Doo-wop. Ray and Barbara would travel around and go to several concerts each year. Ray would listen and sing along to music throughout the day. He combined his love of mowing with his love of music and would blare his music while mowing.

Ray was very social and talked to people everywhere he went. He enjoyed to get together with friends from high school. He helped organized gatherings with former classmates several times a year. He loved reminiscing with old friends. Ray also spent a lot of time communicating with friends on Facebook. He was sure to wish every friend a happy birthday and message friends who live far away. Most recently one of Ray’s favorite pastimes was spending his afternoons with his grandson Wyatt sorting coins he collected throughout the years. He also enjoyed spoiling his dog Molly and cat Toby with special treats. Ray was looking forward to teaching Wyatt how to play baseball this spring.

Ray is survived by his wife Barbara whom he recently celebrated his 52 years of marriage with, two children: Raymond McGowan III of Pottstown PA, Katie Skaw, wife of David Skaw, of Phoenixville; grandson Wyatt Skaw; sister Mary Keirsey of Pottstown; and brother Terrance McGowan of Phoenixville. Ray is preceded in death by on brother Michael P McGowan, mother Louise McGowan, and father Raymond McGowan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing for Ray on Thursday evening February 25, 2021 from 6:00PM - 8:00PM at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, 610 S. Main St. Phoenixville PA 19460. A viewing will also be held on Friday Morning February 26, 2021 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM at the Valley Forge Baptist Church, 1701 Valley Forge Rd. Phoenixville PA 19460. The funeral ceremony will follow the viewing at 11:00AM at the church. Officiating will be the Rev. Lamar Eifert. Burial will take place in the Valley Forge Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Philly Church, 623 Manchester Ave, Media, PA, 19063. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home.