Mr. Harold Blowe Jr.,

Mr. Harold Lenwood  Blowe, Jr. was a loving husband to Mary Blowe and father to Chris, Arnita, Vicki, and Courtney. Mary was the love of his life. He would dance with her cheek to cheek, lovingly swaying to the soul R&B ballads of that time, and at times she would sit on his lap. He and Mary showed us what the love between a man and a woman should look like. He was a generous provider to his family, and we wanted for nothing. He repeatedly played the music of soul singer Al Green as we were growing up, singing along in his beautiful tenor voice.  But Black gospel quartet music was his heart. Some of his favorite groups were the Canton Spirituals, Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Jackson Southernaires. He had a beautiful, soulful voice and often led solos in the First Baptist Church Denbigh Men’s Choir.

Harold founded Blowe’s Cleaners in 1970 located on Wickham Avenue in Newport News, VA. As the business grew, Blowe’s Cleaners moved in 1975 to its final location on Marshall Avenue. In addition to the main location, he had up to six drop stores throughout Newport News and Hampton at various times during his career. His services offered included laundry, dry cleaning, and alterations. He was known for being a meticulous hat cleaner. He also had the honor of dry-cleaning outfits for celebrities, such Gladys Knight and Teddy Pendergrass, who came into town for the Hampton Jazz Festival, as well as Kenny Rogers the country singer. He took great pride in providing outstanding customer service and was known for his affordable prices and quality work.

He provided a solid, consistent work ethic to his children, as well as his grandchildren. He loved it when the grandchildren would come to visit him at the cleaners.

Harold was a resident of Newport News for over 63 years and giving back to the local community was very important to him and his business. Blowe’s Cleaners contributed and provided sponsorships to local athletic clubs, churches, and back-to-school programs. The business’ longlasting ties to the community made Blowe’s Cleaners a highly regarded Newport News business.

Harold is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Blowe of Newport News, VA, children Christopher Blowe (Pashen) of Richmond, VA, Arnita Blowe of Newport News, VA, Vicki Blowe High (Reginald - deceased) of Wendell, NC, and Courtney Arline (Lorenzo) of Newport News, VA; grandchildren Christopher Blowe, Jr., Adam Blowe (Danira), Michael Blowe, Shawan Arline, Ryan Fuller (Kennedy), Lorenzo Arline (deceased), Christel Fuller, Casey Blowe, and great grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces.

It is the desire of the  Blowe  family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  

The family of Mr. Harold Blowe Jr., has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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