Jeff Sowell, a longtime member of the promotional products industry, has died. He was 69.

His obituary states that he passed away on November 17 after a prolonged illness. 

Born in Madison, Tennessee, Sowell graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1976 with a degree in mass communications. He went on to work for Nashville’s daily newspaper The Tennessean, as well as national restaurant chain Shoney’s Inc.

In 1994, Sowell entered the promo industry, serving in leadership roles at Holliday Promos, The Sowell Group, Sommet Group and Franklin, Tennessee-based The SGS (PPAI 375055, D1). Sowell was also a board member and dedicated volunteer for the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS).

He is survived by his daughters Samantha Johannes and Sabrina Sowell; his sister Joanie Dixon; and numerous cousins and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on December 17 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Franklin First United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee. A private service for the family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Vanderbilt Eye Institute - Tennessee Lions Pediatric Eye Center or planting a tree in his memory.