Elmer Russell "Mo" Mowry, Jr.

Elmer Russell (Mo) Mowry, Jr., former Newport News, VA, died in Darlington, SC on May 27, 2023. He was eighty-one years old. Born March 30, 1942, in Waynesboro, VA, he went on to graduate from Fredericksburg High School in Fredericksburg, MD. He moved to Newport News, VA, where he worked as an electrician for the Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock Company. In 1965, he went to work for the Newport News Police Department.

As a police officer in Newport News, VA he started as a patrol officer and moved up to Investigation, then Vice and Narcotics, Burglary, and Homicide. He was promoted to Sergeant and in 1984, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He traveled the country instructing other police departments in Problem-Oriented Policing. Prior to retirement, he served as the personal assistant to the Chief. He retired after 31 years of service on July 1, 1996.

In his retirement years, he became an avid golfer and enjoyed working in his yard and garden. He was a member of Florence Baptist Temple in Florence, SC.

Mo is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Russell Mowry, Sr. and Catherine Cash Mowry; a daughter, Amanda Marie Matthews. He is survived by two children Kimberley (Timothy) Melton and Donald (Robin) Mowry; along with seven grandchildren, Jonathan (Rebecca) Melton, Rachel Melton, Benjamin (Katelyn) Melton, Kyler (Emily) Mowry, Kaitlin (Drew) Williams, LeighAnn Matthews and Bryce Matthews; along with two great-granddaughters and baby Mowry.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Raphine Christian Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Interment will follow at Old Providence ARP Church in Steeles Tavern.