Arkansas Business Leader Harold MacDowell Passes Away at 94

Harold Frank MacDowell Jr., a long-time resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on September 23rd, 2026, at the age of 94. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 2, 1932, he had a storied career and devoted life.

MacDowell graduated from Tulsa Central High School and the University of Oklahoma before serving as a Captain in the US Army Reserve for 11 years. He then began a 29-year tenure with Griffin Grocery Company, rising through the ranks to become President of the Wholesale Division in Fort Smith.

In 1986, after the company was sold, MacDowell transitioned into the investment business, working as a trainee with Shearson American Express and eventually retiring in 2000 as Vice President-Investments with successor Smith Barney.

A lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, MacDowell served on the vestry and as Senior Warden at Grace Church in Muskogee and St. John's in Fort Smith. He was a licensed Worship Leader, Eucharistic Minister, and Eucharistic Visitor, and sang in the choir for over 50 years.

MacDowell was also an active member of Rotary International, serving as club President of both the Muskogee and Fort Smith clubs. He held various leadership roles with several local organizations, including the Salvation Army and Sparks Hospital.