Joseph Gerard McGowan

Joseph Gerard McGowan, 73, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and formerly of Sea Bright, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at MUSC Hospital in Charleston, SC. He was born on July 31, 1952, son of the late John Joseph McGowan and Marie Alice Dillon. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Sydney Wright of Myrtle Beach, SC; his children, Sara Thurber (Dave) of SC, and Dan McGowan (Erin) of NC; stepdaughter, Liz Wright of SC He was the proud grandfather of five: Ava Thurber, Addison Thurber, Lyla McGowan, Dylan McGowan, and Jackson McGowan. He is also survived by brothers Jack McGowan (Jane), Gerry McGowan and sister Judy Lanou. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ellen McGowan and sister Ann Marie Williams. 

Joe worked in and around the restaurant business for over forty years and loved serving and connecting with patrons and staff. He enjoyed woodworking, life at the beach, watching the birds in his backyard, and showcasing his love language by preparing great meals for his family or sweet treats for his grandkids. Above all, he loved his family with his whole heart and cherished the time he spent with them.

A Celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. If you would like to share any picture or stories of Joe with the family, please email them to mjoemac3@gmail.com. 

At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Joe’s honor may be made to the MUSC Foundation Living Donor Institute at fundraise.musc.edu/JoeMcGowan or to the charity of one’s choice.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com  

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.