Walter Lee Sowell, 82, of Memphis, TN passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019.  He was preceded in death by his late wife, Judie Sowell and his parents, Walter and Jessie Sowell.  He is survived by his wife, Veva Sowell; children:  Vicki King, Walter Lee Sowell, Jr., Lisa Oliver, and Christina Vernon; step-children:  Patricia Starnes, Bobbie Jo Hillyard, Bruce Laden, Amanda Webb, and Karen Drobeck; 23 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Jerry and David Sowell.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, stepfather and grandfather.  He always treated his step children just like his own.  He was an Army veteran and Free Mason.  He was an avid traveler and hosted 17 foreign exchange students.  Mr. and Mrs. Sowell are members of Eastside Baptist Church in Memphis.  The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m.  All services and interment will be held at Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home and Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association.