Christy (Chris) Tuttle Trowell (May 9, 1934 – October 18, 2022) was born in Oliver, Georgia, to the late Christian Samuel and Ivey Tuttle Trowell. His three college degrees were earned at Georgia Southern University.
Chris served from 1954 to 1957 in the U.S. Army with the Army Security Agency (Korea, Japan, California). From 1957 to 1965, Mr. Trowell taught history and geography at Coffee County High School. After teaching geography, anthropology, and history to aspiring teachers, scientists, archaeologists, and others for 27 years at South Georgia College, he retired in 1992 to pursue his research interests. Chris served as president and on the board of the Society for Georgia Archeology and as a long-term member of the South Georgia Archaeological Research Team. His research and volunteer work with the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge over decades led to a number of published articles, papers, and books on Okefenokee history. Chris was also a long-time member of the Coffee County Historical Society and Douglas Historic Commission (including authorship of Douglas Before Memory) and co-authored Dodge Land Troubles with Jane Walker of McRae. He was a board member for the Satilla Regional Library System and long-term member of First United Methodist Church of Douglas.
Surviving family members include his children Nan Brown of Johns Creek, GA, Tina (Tom) Whittingslow of Neptune Beach, FL, and Sam (Sandy) Trowell of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren Joseph (Laura) Rawlins, Sara (Brian) Rawlins Hughley, Harrison Brown, Christopher Brown, Will Rawlins, and Hannah Trowell; great-grandson Rowen Rawlins, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Register Trowell and son Robert Trowell. His family extends special thanks to the staff of Lakeside Senior Living and Bethany Hospice and to the friends who visited and kept in touch during his last months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Okefenokee Swamp Park (okeswamp.org/give/), Coffee County Historical Society (219 West Ward St, Douglas, GA 31533) or to a charity of the donor’s choice are appreciated.
Memorial service plans at First United Methodist Church of Douglas are pending. Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.