Townes was born and raised in Greenville and, after attending Greenville High, studied business at Furman University. After Furman, Townes worked for a Greenville based residential builder, building both custom and tract homes, and developed a passion for the construction process. After two years, Townes decided to continue his studies and studied law and business at Samford University. Thereafter, Townes proceeded to work for South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Edward W. Miller and two local law firms, becoming a partner at both.