David McCowen

David Swails McCowen, 85, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. A devoted husband, loving father, accomplished architect and true Renaissance man, David lived a rich and purposeful life shaped by creativity, service, and deep intellectual curiosity.

Born in Macon, Ga., on July 13, 1939, to Albert Irwin and Frances Louise Swails McCowen, David graduated from Lanier High School in 1957 and later earned his degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, becoming a Registered Architect and an emeritus member of the American Institute of Architects. During his time at Georgia Tech, he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He paused his studies to serve two years in the U.S. Army during the Cold War (1962-64), stationed in Germany.

On March 20, 1965, David married the love of his life, Mary Lillian Durden, in Macon. They settled in Atlanta, where they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, travel, and mutual support.

David's architectural career took him across the United States and around the globe, with projects in Egypt, Iran, Ghana and beyond. Among the many buildings he helped shape, he especially cherished his work on the library at Columbia Theological Seminary, various projects preparing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for the Olympics, and projects for Walt Disney World.

In retirement, David turned his attention to his many passions. A voracious reader and dedicated bibliophile, he curated a personal library of more than 2,500 books, including numerous signed first editions by his favorite authors. He enjoyed cooking for Mary, playing piano and guitar, writing poetry, sketching, and singing in the church choir.

He was an active and beloved member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, where he served as a lay leader and could be found each weekend faithfully preparing coffee for the congregation. David also gave generously of his time in the community. He served as a past president and member of the curriculum committee at Senior University of Greater Atlanta and tutored first graders at Pleasantdale School-both causes close to his heart.

David is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters Cathy Nelson (Pierce) and Leigh Anne Weitzman (Harmon); grandchildren Dan and Will Nelson; brother Albert McCowen (Betty); sister Suzy McCullough; sister-in-law Martha Hickey (Richard Warnke); brother-in-law George Durden (Patty); sister-in-law Cathy Clark; and nephews Jeffrey McCowen and Hal Collier and Michael Durden. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law John McCullough, Peter Hickey, and Bobby Clark; and his loyal miniature pinscher, Storm.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 4882 LaVista Road, Tucker, Georgia 30084. A luncheon will follow to celebrate both David's life and the 60th wedding anniversary of David and Mary, featuring his favorite-barbecue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Columbia Theological Seminary, Pleasantdale School Foundation, or Senior University of Greater Atlanta.