Majors

Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98

MajorsApr 08, 2025

Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Willis Cowlishaw
Willis Cowlishaw, the former president of Zale Corp.’s Fine Jewelers Guild Division, died March 16 in Texas. He was 98.
Dallas—Willis Ray Cowlishaw, a World War II veteran and watchmaker who rose to become a top executive at Zale Corp., died March 16 following a series of health challenges.

He was 98.

Born June 18, 1926 in Wolco, Oklahoma, Cowlishaw enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he graduated from high school in June 1944, near the end of World War II.

He served as a seaman first class-gunner’s mate on the USS Essex aircraft carrier during the last year of combat in the Pacific Theater and then on the USS Randolph returning soldiers to the United States from Europe, aka Operation Magic Carpet.

After the war, Cowlishaw returned to Oklahoma and in 1946, married Wanda McDowell.

He earned a horology degree from Hardin Junior College (now Midwestern University) in Wichita Falls, Texas, and began his career in the jewelry industry as a watchmaker in Muskogee and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cowlishaw worked at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, walking the sales floor during the day and taking watches home at night for repair.

Zale Corp. recognized his talent for sales and management, and Cowlishaw was promoted numerous times over the years, moving his family—which by now included sons Patrick and Timothy Cowlishaw—from Tulsa to Topeka, Kansas, and back, and then to northern New Jersey before settling in the Dallas area in 1963.

For two decades, Cowlishaw was president of Zale’s Fine Jewelers Guild Division, the arm of the company comprised of higher-end jewelry stores that Zale had acquired, such as Corrigan’s in Dallas and Houston.

Zale Corp. founder Morris Zale, who died in 1995, was his mentor, guiding him as he expanded the division to more than 200 stores in U.S. cities and suburbs.

Cowlishaw also served as a mentor to “hundreds” of men and women over the years, many of whom became lifelong friends.

While Cowlishaw eventually left Zale Corp., he never really retired, working as an industry consultant well into the 2000s.

Outside of work, he was an avid golfer, playing on some of the world’s most famous courses like
Pebble Beach and the Old Course at St. Andrews. He continued to golf until he was 97 years old.

Though he lost his first wife, Wanda Cowlishaw, to cancer in June 1969 when they were both 42 years old, Cowlishaw remarried in May 1970, wedding Patricia Evans.

The pair traveled extensively for work and for fun across the U.S. and Europe, taking a hot air balloon ride over France, riding the Jungfrau Railway in Switzerland, and seeing Aida performed in Verona, Italy.

They built a second home in Horseshoe Bay West in the Texas Hill Country, the site of many happy family gatherings.

Cowlishaw also was a devout Christian, joining the Methodist Church as an adult. He was a friendly presence and lay leader at First United Methodist Richardson, University Park United Methodist, and St. Andrews Methodist. 

“Willis never met a stranger. Across a jewelry counter, at the office, on the golf course, or over a sandwich, Willis was fully present and ready to listen to anyone,” his obituary states.

“His kind and thoughtful words turned around many lives.”

Cowlishaw is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Patricia Cowlishaw; sons Patrick (Melanie) and Tim (Shana); five grandchildren, Hayley Elizabeth Cowlishaw, Meredith Cowlishaw Drake (Colin), Robert Willis Cowlishaw (Abby), Rachel Wanda Kramer (Carlos), and Benjamin Timothy Cowlishaw; and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Pearl Drake and Clark Patrick Drake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wanda, brothers Darrell, Willard, and Milton Cowlishaw, sister Maxine Cartwright, and daughter-in-law Lori Cowlishaw. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum, the American Cancer Society, or another charity.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy