William Albert “Billy” Dowell
December 2, 1934- January 13, 2020
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William Albert “Billy” Dowell, 85, of Sunderland passed away January 13, 2020. William Albert Dowell was born December 2, 1934. He was the youngest of 6 and the last family member to be born at home. Upon graduating high school, his music teacher said she could get him into the Peabody Institute. If you had the chance to hear Dad sing, you know his voice would fill the church with wonderful music. Whether it was church hymns or Christmas music, he could send chills down your spine. He opted to not attend but stay home on the family farm.
On February 2, 1957 Dad married Peggy June Cox of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Six weeks later he received his draft notice. After basic training, he spent 18 months in Germany. When his tour was complete, his commanding officer offered him a higher rank if he re-enlisted. Dad said no, he was going home to his wife and farm.
Mom and Dad lived with Dad’s parents. Some of Dad’s siblings and their children also resided in the home. As time went on, it was Mom and Dad and Dad’s parents. Children started to arrive and enrich their lives. Randy in 1962, Bryan in 1964 and Chris in 1968.
As the family grew, Dad needed income more than the farm could provide. He worked at Maryland Tobacco Grower’s Association in Huntingtown for a while. Then a friend convinced him he would be a good life insurance agent. Dad worked for Peoples Life Insurance Company for 17 years. This job worked well for him; he could schedule client meetings around his farming activities. When he retired from the insurance business, Mr. Rausch, owner of Rausch Funeral Home, called Dad into service. Dad would spend the next 30 years helping with funerals and greeting visitors as they came to see loved ones. Dad was very fond of the Rausch family; they were good to him and he enjoyed working with them. This job also worked well for Dad; he could still have time to work on the farm. Dad was a long-time member of All Saints Church, where he sang in the choir and served on the vestry. Dad was a member of the Planning and Zoning Appeals Board for many years. His even temper and sense of fairness served him well and was appreciated by other board members. Other boards Dad served on included Calvert County Farm Bureau and Calvert County Agriculture Preservation.
Dad’s daughters in law were Pat (Bryan), Jill (Chris) and Ann (Randy). Grandchildren included Joshua, Austen and Rowan. You may be seeing a common theme; farming was always part of Dad’s life. Dad, his father and brother at one time raised as much as 30 acres of tobacco. Dad also raised cattle and feed for them. A large garden provided fresh food all summer and the rest of the year thanks to Mom’s canning. Mom went to be with the Lord September 14, 2005. After Mom’s passing, Dad continued to maintain his home, prepare his meals and yes, continued to farm. Now Mom and Dad are reunited.
Visitation
Friday, January 17, 2020
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
&
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Services
- Funeral Service
Saturday, January 18, 2020
11:00 AM
Interment
- Burial
Contributions
Calvert Hospice
P.O. Box 838
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-0892
So sorry to hear of the community’s loss! He was a very kind, courteous gentleman, very often with a smiling face. His presence will be missed. Peggy Hance Turner
Mr. Dowell was always a kind & gentle man. When ever my brother & I visited the funeral home he always had a smile & kind word. He was like a fixture at Rausch’s. Made you feel a little better about the visit. He will be missed and thank his family for sharing him with Calvert County.
God Bless. Rest in peace.
Every Sunday I would see Mr. Dowell coming cross the parking lot with snow white tennis shoes and a huge warm smile. He needed corn for dinner. I didn’t see him last summer and hoped he just wasn’t driving any longer. So sorry for your loss.
Bonnie (Trott) Burris
With deepest sympathy to Billy’s family. He was a very kind and caring man. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to the family at this sad time. Mr. Dowell was one of the last of the “true gentlemen” of his time. I first met him when we worked in the kitchen together at the Calverton School Ham and Oyster dinners years ago and we got along so well he shared the “secret” fried oyster recipe with me. I think of him each time I use it and have kept his secret all these years. Best fried oysters ever!!. In other contacts over years, he always recognized me and had a smile, hug and some pleasant conversation to share. What wonderful memories you must have! My thoughts and prayers are with the family over these next few days. He will be sorely missed by many of us.
Deepest sympathy to the Dowell family. Mr Dowell would often chauffeur the cardinal hickey and st marys ryken kids around including my son who went to school with Josh, Mr Dowell’s grandson. All the kids loved him. He was a fine man with a great disposition. I am sure he will be greatly missed by the family
Truly sorry for your families loss. Sending much love, thoughts and prayers of comfort at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.
He truly was a wonderful man. Always pleasant and always had a smile. He will be missed.
Rita Gatton
Mr. Dowell was a sweetheart. Such a friendly kind soul who was also my husband’s and my insurance man for years. He collected premiums monthly, it was always a pleasure seeing him and chatting. I saw him many times at Rausch’s and always hugged him… he was loved by everyone. So very sorry for your loss. He will be missed, treasure your Memories and yes he’s with your Mom again.
So very sorry my husband and I could not make his services🙏 Rest In Peace dear friend!
Steve and Patti Keefe
Chesapeake Beach, Md
Rest In Peace dear friend! You will be missed, it was a pleasure knowing you all these years! So sorry we missed your service. Our thoughts and prayers to your family! 🙏
Patti and Steve Keefe
I just found this out….sorry I missed the service for you, such a sweet man. Rest In Peace Mr. Dowell..my thoughts and prayers to your family.