Our beloved Lionel L. Yow, 75, passed Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Lionel was born Feb. 9, 1943, in Wallace to parents Edgar Lee Yow and Arlene Rivenbark Yow.
Lionel is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Connie Stewart Yow; son, Lionel Mark Yow, and his wife, Charlotte; daughter, Jennifer Yow Leech, and her husband, Douglas; grandchildren, Katherine Stewart Yow (“Boogaloo”), Lilly-Anne Elizabeth Yow (“Lilly-belle”), and John Stewart Yow Leech (“my Big Dog”); brother, John Yow (91); and close relative Arthur “Earl” Yow.
After graduating from Staunton Military Academy and then Wilmington College (now UNCW) as a member of its first four-year graduating class, Lionel received his law degree from the University of South Carolina. Lionel enjoyed a fulfilling courtroom career as an advocate for people from all walks of life, and was a prolific real estate developer and investor. With vision and passion, he helped shape community spaces from Georgia to Colorado, and across North Carolina. He brokered the sale of Pembroke Jones’ property now known as Landfall. His work includes Porter’s Neck, the Aspen Club, Masonboro Forest and many others. He was also among the first appointed members of the North Carolina Film Commission.
Lionel perfected his love of food and drink and boating by acquiring and growing Dockside Restaurant & Marina, his eighth hospitality business in the Wilmington area. As Dockside’s premier ambassador, he instituted the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival “After Garden Party” springtime celebration. Lionel loved his daily interactions with so many wonderful young people promoting his strong tradition of Southern hospitality. His brand of relaxed “no-socks” waterfront lifestyle has allowed Dockside to become every family’s “front porch” overlooking Wrightsville Beach.
Lionel was a zealous alpine skier, duck hunter and recreational boater — and devoted to his favorite black lab, “Xanadu’s Magnum Decoy.” Lionel was proud to hold the North Carolina state record for the largest line-caught hammerhead shark, which he landed in Surf City as a teenager. Later, Lionel thrived on the camaraderie and competition playing 3-on-3 basketball at the Wilmington YMCA. He always lived young and fun, loving the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett and just about anything with steel drums.
Most of all, Lionel cherished his family and his “tribe” of closest friends. Lionel was truly a Southern gentleman with a warm smile, approachable demeanor and always had encouraging words he enthusiastically offered to others. His family and friends knew him as a devoted and determined man with a will to “bend light around corners.” He was incredibly generous and eternally optimistic, always sharing his first fruits. To say he had a robust gusto for life would be the ultimate understatement. In sum, Lionel loved and lived 175 years’ worth in his 75 years.
We already miss his piercing blue eyes, his straight talk and his magnanimous nature. Lionel’s spirit richly touches so many people and so many places that it transcends space and time. Many believed Lionel would live forever. And in Christ, he does.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, Wilmington. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 28, at Wrightsville Beach United Methodist Church. A private family entombment will immediately follow the service.
Memorial gifts and donations may be made to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
