Allen West Vowell, Jr. passed from this life June 16, 2026, at the age of 74. Born March 30, 1952, and reared in Taylorsville, MS, Al dedicated his life to caring for others through his hard work, generosity, and knack for finding remedies in humor as much as medicine.
Known as “Dr.” Al to his customers at Quitman Drugs, Al’s moniker was purely honorary but earned through decades of compassionate care and more than a few folk remedies. He is best remembered as the pharmacist behind the counter who would answer weekend calls and often deliver urgently needed medication to mailboxes, but his deep knowledge of medicine was second only to his love of family, the outdoors, and the Ole Miss Rebels- usually in that order.
After he graduated from Taylorsville High School, Al was recruited by legendary Coach Johnny Vaught to play defensive end at Ole Miss before attending pharmacy school, marrying his high school sweetheart, and eventually opening his own pharmacy in the heart of Quitman, MS. It was there he and his wife settled to raise their three daughters, demonstrating the importance of caring for your neighbors and giving of your time and talents even when no one was looking.
Al was also an avid hunter, often filling his home with the sounds of turkey calls in the spring and deer calls in the fall, loudly and with enthusiasm. The walls of his store were covered in hunting and fishing trophies and natural curiosities from Doby’s Bluff, his favorite escape from a house full of women. It was also there he kept a healthy garden of vegetables and played trail guide to visiting scholars and scientists exploring the fossil rich banks of the Chickasawhay River. Perhaps his favorite title, however, was that of “Papa” to his seven grandchildren, eager to spoil them with toys, ice cream, and chocolates.
Al is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sylvia McWilliams Vowell, of Quitman; daughter Leslie Price and her husband Will, their children Maryanna, Preston, and Kathryn of Fayettleville, TN; daughter, Anna Kathryn Vowell and her children Colin and Sylvia Ann “Vivi” of Quitman; daughter, Elizabeth Blades and her husband Chris, and their children Zenobia and Oscar of Baton Rouge, LA; his sisters, Mitzi Ford and her husband Benjie, and Barbara Brown; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
His father Allen Vowell, Sr. and mother Bonnie Vowell preceded him in death.
While he struggled with many challenges in his final years, his family rests in the knowledge that he has finally found peace in the arms of our gracious Lord who makes us anew.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10
Visitation at will be held Friday, June 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at First Methodist Church at 203 E. Franklin St., Quitman, MS 39355. A service at the church will be held at 12 p.m., with a graveside service to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Al’s honor to The University of Mississippi Pharmacy School at https://umfoundation.givingfuel.com/give or the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks and Marine Foundation at https://foundationmwfp.com/donations/. Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
