Alfred Cowles Obituary

Alfred Leroy Cowles, Jr. (Sonny) passed away on September 6, 2024 at the age of 90.

Born on February 15, 1934, he was the first child of Alfred and Dorothy Barnes Cowles. A native Memphian, he attended St. Ann Catholic grade school, Christian Brothers College (now CBHS), and graduated from the University of Notre Dame. Alfred was predeceased by his brothers Glenn, Kenny, and Hank Cowles.

Alfred met his wife Betty, while traveling in Acapulco. They married 3 years later. After serving in the US Army in Fort Riley, Kansas, they returned to Memphis where they began their family. At the age of 25, Alfred was thrust into leadership of the family business, Bluff City Distributing, Co. (now Bluff City Electronics), due to his father's health. Recognized nationally and locally as a key supplier of electronic parts and consumer products, Bluff City grew to 7 branches across Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee during his tenure.

A leader in the national electronics industry, Alfred served on the boards of 3M, Channel Master, Belden Wire, and G.E. Fanuc. He served on the board and served as President to EDRI (Electronics Distributors Research Institute), EDS (Electronics Distributors Show) and NEDA (National Electronic Distributors Association). Noting the purchasing power of larger companies, he founded The Genie Group, a buying consortium of family-owned wholesale distributors. In 1975 he was named the Electronic Industries "Tiger of the Year".

In addition to his work honors, Alfred had the honor and pleasure of serving as a judge for the Miss Mississippi Contest, an experience he never forgot. Always a leader and ready for a party, Alfred was the 1996 Ouro of The Memphi, a Carnival Memphis Krewe of which he was a member for 47 years.

Seeking adventure by land, air and sea, Alfred and Betty traveled the world. Always looking forward, Alfred signed himself and Betty up for Elon Musk's spaceship to Mars!

A big guy with a bigger heart, he was always performing random acts of kindness for unsuspecting diners across the country. He treated young couples to bottles of champagne and quietly paid for the meals of unsuspecting police, fire and service personnel.

Alfred sought big moments in life and memorable gifts for his family. The finest gift of all was the 1969 purchase of SummerTrees, his Mississippi home. The antebellum home took years to restore, but the process of restoration created enduring family memories. SummerTrees was much more than a home for the Cowles family. It was the site of family weddings, holidays and numerous heartfelt moments. SummerTrees was also the venue for innumerable charitable events under the guiding hands of Alfred and Betty.

A fine car enthusiast, Alfred restored and road-raced many foreign sports cars. His children drove many of the distinctive cars lovingly restored by him. Their classmates may recall the canary yellow 1968 GTO convertible, the eggplant 1963 Austin-Healey 3000, the green 1965 step side F100 truck, and the candy apple red 1956 Porsche 356A convertible to name a few.

At SummerTrees is a needlepoint pillow displaying their motto: "If you ever leave me, I'm going with you!" Betty left first and 3 weeks later Alfred joined her. We were blessed to have them as our parents and know they are dancing in eternity before Our Heavenly Father.

Alfred is predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Betty. He leaves behind his children Colleen Cowles Capstick (Larry), Alfred Cowles III (Linda), Daniel Cowles (Darlene), and Shannon Cowles Latham (Davant);10 grandchildren - Caroline Sones (Greg), Clayton Capstick (Valerie), Kyle Lauderdale (Erika), Alfred Cowles IV (Sarah Katherine), Lauren McCaskill (Dustin), Morgan Newsom (David), Allie Long (Corey), Grace Cason (Sam), Dunn Latham and Davant Latham III, as well as 17 great-grandchildren and his ever present sidekick Barney, a yellow "bassador" (Basset Hound / Labrador mix).

The family wishes to thank Sharon Banks, Cindy Sandlin, Charlene Maxwell, and Keri Franklin for all the love, care and guidance shown to Alfred.

The visitation will be at St Louis Catholic Church (203 S. White Station Road Memphis, TN 38117) in the Narthex on Monday, September 16 at 9:00 am. The funeral mass will follow in the sanctuary at 10:00. Burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Christian Brothers High School (5900 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN 38120) or the charity of one's choice.