Gary Lynn Cowden

Gary “Gunman” Lynn Cowden, age 73 of Maryville, went home to be with Jesus Tuesday, January 31, 2023. He loved Jesus, his family, guns, motorcycles, and cigars. He proudly served our country in the United States Army and was an active member of RIO Townsend. His love for Jesus was shown through mission work within the United States and also in foreign countries. Gunman is preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Cowden, Ruby Lee Patton, Frank Patton; brother-in-law, Lloyd Lawhon. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, LaJuana “LJ” Cowden; children, Niki (Scott Love), Anson (Leesa Cable); grandchildren, Alexis (Andrew Pierce), Kyler Love, Gracie Love, AJ Cable, Cason Cable; great-granddaughter, Arie Pierce; sisters, Brenda Lawhon, Teresa (Chet) Hart, Denise (Ronnie) Irwin, Sharon (Mike) Holder; special friends, Steve and Kim Hannah and Ronnie and Jeannie Hepperly. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at UT Medical Center CVICU for their love, kindness, compassion, and great care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to RIO Missions, to build a church in his honor, P.O. Box 887, Alcoa, TN 37701 with “Gunman” in memo line. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Smith Trinity Chapel. The Funeral Service will follow at 7:00 PM with Ronnie Hepperly officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 12:30 PM for Inurnment on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at East Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com