William McDowell, Sr.

Mr. William McDowell, Sr. 83, of 350 Washburn Switch Rd. Shelby, NC entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby. He was born on June 1, 1939 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Rev. Fred McDowell and the late Frances McDowell Blanton.

William attended Green Bethel High School. He worked at PPG, retiring after 28 years of service in 2001.

At an early age in life, William joined Maple Springs Baptist Church. He also was a member of Green Bethel Baptist Church, Light Oak Baptist Church, Faith Missionary Baptist Church before returning back to Light Oak Baptist Church where he served as a deacon as well as serving others through the clothing and food ministries.

William really loved the Lord. He was one who always took time to share Jesus. He constantly reminded us to “shake those bushes”. He didn’t hesitate to pray for others. He also had a “calling ministry”, touching and checking on so many family and friends.

William loved sports including coaching football, basketball, softball and he loved playing basketball and bowling. He enjoyed watching the Duke Blue Devils basketball team and the Carolina Panthers.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lizzie Battle McDowell; a son, Thomas Leon McDowell; three brothers; one sister and two sisters-in-law.

He leaves to cherish fond memories to his children, William McDowell, Jr (Carlotta) of Grover, NC, Senora Walker (Theryl) and Andera McDowell both of Shelby, NC, John Micheal McDowell of the home; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bobby Joe McDowell (Penny) of Boiling Springs, NC, Willie Lee McDowell (Donna) of Charlotte, NC; three sisters, Johnnie Mae Guyton (Vincent) of Boiling Springs, Inez Johnson (Don) of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Ruth Jean Parker (Rufus who was more than a brother-in law but a true brother) of Grover, NC; three sisters-in-law, Louise McDowell of Shelby, Christine Norris (Edward) of Mooresboro, NC and Marie Jackson (Terry) of Forest City, NC; brother-in-law, Eddie Battle of Forest City and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 3:30 PM at Light Oak Baptist Church. Burial will take place at Palmer Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed starting at 3:15 PM from the Enloe Mortuary Face Book page. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until 3:30 PM at the church.