Justin Dewey Towner III's Obituary
Justin D. Towner, III, died peacefully on February 16, 2025, at his home. “A sinner saved by grace,” Justin was married to Virginia (Ginny) Sloan Towner who predeceased him in 2022 after 67 years of marriage.
A lifelong Memphian, Justin was born August 25, 1931, the only child of Virginia (VB) and Justin Towner, Jr. He attended Central High School, Washington & Lee University, and the University of Tennessee Dental School. After serving in the Air Force for two years, he returned to Memphis to practice periodontics for 44 years, retiring in 1998. For 15 years, he also taught part-time in the department of Periodontics at UT. Justin served as president and received the Humanitarian Award for the Memphis Dental Society. He also served in the Tennessee Dental Association, American Dental Association, Southern Academy of Periodontology, and American Academy of Periodontology. He made several dental missions trips to Haiti and Belize.
A member of Second Presbyterian Church since birth, Justin was an Elder where he faithfully served on various committees, as clerk of the session, and teaching Sunday school. He was passionate about his participation on the World Missions Committee. Next to God and his family, he loved his church: fervently praying for and regularly corresponding with missionaries around the world.
As a child, Justin found his passion in fishing which continued throughout his life. He was an Eagle Scout and became a Boy Scout leader as an adult. Although he traveled around the country fishing and going on “float trips,” he was happiest on the Spring River spending time with Ginny, his family, and friends.
As a father and husband, he modeled faithfulness by kneeling bedside for family prayers and lovingly caring for his wife in her final years. He consistently had a positive remark or a word of encouragement, choosing to always see the good, keeping his sense of humor until the end.
Justin and Ginny raised three children: Justin (Jud) Dewey Towner, IV (Kathleen), Sloan Germann (Luke), and Laurie Haddow (Dan). Together, they have seven grandchildren: Laurence Towner, Justin (Buck) Dewey Towner, V (Katherine), Edey Maranto (Chett), Ginny Floyd (Chase), Ruthie Germann, Mary Haddow, and Sam Haddow (Maddie), and five great-grandchildren. His grandchildren adored “Doc” and fondly remember him taking them fishing, writing encouraging letters, playing wiffle ball, making a joke, and reading Luke 2 (KJV) every Christmas day.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Second Presbyterian Church World Missions or the charity of your choice. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care given by Carleesha Robinson, Yassah Kargbo, Lakeva Tabron, Phyllis Smith, Rhonda Adams, Kennitha Horton-Leflore, and Denise Surber.
A worship service and celebration of Justin’s life will be at 1:00 on Tuesday, February 25th in Second Presbyterian Church’s Sanctuary. Visitation, beginning at 11:30 will precede the memorial service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930.
“Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
What’s your fondest memory of Justin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Justin?
Share a story where Justin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Justin you’ll never forget.
How did Justin make you smile?
