Al L. Stowe, a native of Gaston County, N. C. was born July 14, 1921. He was he middle child of five and lived his early life on a small farm. He attended the public schools of Dallas, N.C. and after graduation worked in local textile mills until World War II. He volunteered for the United States Air Force and began training in Craig Field, Alabama. Upon completion of his training he was shipped to Hickham Field in Hawaii for deployment in the Pacific Theatre. After the war he met and married Beatrice Stewart and together they raised one child, Michael L. Stowe. He is the proud grandfather of one and great grandfather of two. In addition to his work in the local textile industry, Al owned and operated a professional photography studio in Gastonia, N.C for many years. Al enjoys playing the fiddle and in his early years was part of a group that played at local dances and celebrations.