William McDowell Obituary in Shelby at Enloe Mortuary

Obituary For William McDowell

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.

Download funeral program

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Ruth and Douglas, so sorry for you. I am praying for your family. The Moses Family

Our sincere condolences to the family of William. We worked together in the NAACP for years, along with Lizzie until they faced health issues. Usually, where you saw one - you would see the other. Lizzie still wanted to be kept abreast of what was going on, and always checked to see if I was aware of things happening with members and others. They were a loving couple and always shared those smiles when we would meet. They loved their family and set good examples for you to follow. God promised to always be with us, so kept your faith and trust in Him. He will be there for you always. Love and prayers, Johnny & Julie C. Brooks

To my family my love thoughts and prayers for each of you. Praying for the Lord's comfort and peace for the days ahead. Kim Morrow

Thinking of you with deepest sympathy and hoping it provides you with comfort to know that others share in your sorrow. Your Dad was one of the three men from the Care Ministry that came and help transport my husband to Dialysis. Now I know he will be rewarded for all his kindness that he shared. Love Kaye Mintz & family

Sleep I'm Heavenly Peace uncle William. I know you and aunt Lizzie are together again . I'm going to miss my calls from you checking on me but I know God needed you more. Love you until we meet again kiss aunt Lizzie for me . Aleisha

My sincere condolences to the McDowell Family💕 You took great care of your Mother and Father; now they are together again💖 Blessings and Honor to you all💗

Bug, Senora, Vette and John, We send you our deepest sympathies. We were neighbors and like family. I will miss seeing Mr.William at Crest's football and basketball games. He is with Mrs. Lizzie, praising God. I pray that God comfort you during this time and times to come. Love you'll, The Laborn Family

To the William McDowell Sr. family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad fought a good fight now he is resting in the Lord. I know God will give you the peace that you you need during this difficult time. The family of the late Mr. Harvey Fuller and Family.