R V Townes

THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF A GOD-FEARING FAITHFUL SERVANT

R V Townes was born on November 23, 1926 in Grenada, MS. To the late Wash and Sarah Townes.  He was the second child born (and only son) of three children.

R V was preceded in death by his sister Mollie Purnell and son Ernest Matthew Townes Sr.

R V was known to many as Uncle Pete, Pops, and Grand Slam the Long Ball Hitter.

R V was brought up in a God-fearing home and at the age of 18 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed overseas to Japan to serve during World War II. During his deployment he read and studied his Bible from Genesis to Revelations, cover to cover five consecutive times.  He was convicted by the word and confessed a hope in Christ and knew at that point he would never waiver from the faith.

R V was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on January 18, 1946 after his service in Japan and he received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Victory Medal. After R V Townes was discharged from the U.S. Army, he was employed as a truck driver which allowed him to travel all over the country.

In the early 1950’s R V relocated to Chicago, IL and started employment at Central Steel Fabricators where he read blueprints and worked as a machine operator cutting steel.

R V met Rosie Lee Rembert and was united in holy matrimony on February 6, 1956. God blessed their union with eight children, four boys and four girls.

In 1989 after thirty-seven years R V retired from Central Steel Fabricators. During his retirement he enjoyed traveling and communicating on his CB (Citizens Band) radio. He was known as “Grand Slam the Long Ball Hitter” and was always up for a challenge to out drive anyone on the highway.

R V was also an intricate part of helping to improve the lives of poor people on the westside of Chicago, IL in the Lawndale area with substandard housing with the help of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  R V had many hobbies he collected coins, antique bottles, and loved to work puzzles. He enjoyed hunting, farming, fishing, watching sports, and working on cars with his sons.

R V leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife of sixty three years: Rosie Townes; seven children: Rodney and Robert Townes, LaVerne Cook  all of Maywood IL, Gary (Jenine) Townes of Oak Park, IL, Rita (Morris) Burgess of Broadview, IL, Rachelle (Hassan) Townes-Abdul of Las Vegas, NV, and Bernice (Neal) Taylor of Palm Bay FL; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; one sister: Evelyn Cooley; one daughter in-law; a host of brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

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