Billy Joe Gowan
October 7, 1929 -
August 25, 2020

Visitation

August 30, 2020
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Service 

August 30, 2020
3:00 PM

Interment

Obituary

Funeral Service for Mr. Billy Joe Gowan, age 90 of Fayetteville, will be conducted Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 3:00pm at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Gowan was born on October 7, 1929 to the late Hiram Maxie and Mary Margaret Mansfield Gowan in Lincoln County, TN. Billy Joe passed away on August 25, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. He was native of Lincoln County who owned and operated Gowan Shell Service for forty years. He was a member of the Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Billy Joe is survived by his loving daughter, Gloria Hall; granddaughter, Kim McWhirter; great-granddaughters, Katie Gowan McWhirter and Jessica Lin McWhirter; and sister, Christine (Hilton) Sullivan; and his wonderful caregivers, Betty Monks, Barbara Pearson, Betty Bradford, and Faye and Johnny Dollar who all shared a special love with him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of sixty one years, Jean Daves Gowan; son-in-law, Bobby Hall; and sister Maxine (Richard) Thornton.

Visitation with the family will be Sunday, August 30, 2020 from 12pm to 3pm at Higgins Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association 309 North Jackson Street, Suite 1, Tullahoma, TN 37388 or the Bobby Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o First National Bank, 405 College Street West, Fayetteville, TN 37334.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Billy Joe Gowan.

In accordance with State of Tennessee Executive Order issued by Governor Bill Lee, social gatherings are limited to no more than 50 participants. For your safety we recommend face coverings, 6 feet social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and remaining home if you feel sick. The family invites you to share memories at higginsfh.com.

Video Services

35 Comments

  1. Tracey A Smith

    Mr. Gowan. Billy Joe and my dad were great friends. I remember when I was 16 years old with no money. Billy Joe let me put car tires on credit. I paid him every week , and finally paid them off. He was a great man. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  2. Linda Holland

    Gloria, I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing . You have been a faithful and devoted caregiver to him. I will be thinking of you in the coming days and weeks.

    Reply
  3. Doyle and Linda Hasty

    Gloria,

    You and your family are in our prayers at this most difficult time. Billy Joe was such a joy to talk and visit with. I am proud to have your family as one of my Lincoln county families of relatives after my grandmother and mother came up to Bedford County where I was born.
    It was such a delight to visit a number of years ago with Billy Joe and Jean in their beautiful home at the golf course.

    I fully appreciate the fact that you gave so very much to make the end years of his life
    so much more comfortable and fun. He sure enjoyed those rides and treats. We enjoyed seeing you and he at Tullahoma at Wendy’s with him on a ride.

    May God‘s blessings be upon you and your family for treating your parents with the greatest respect and care.

    Doyle and Linda Hasty
    PS Sorry Covid virus will keep us away because I have health issue.

    Reply
  4. Sherry Norris

    Gloria and Kim. I am so sorry for your lost. We loved BJ and Mama Jean so much. I have so many memories of our times at their house. We had so many laughs. Love Sherry and the love of James Norris

    Reply
  5. Danny Medlen

    Gloria, Kim and family,
    You are in my prayers at this most difficult of times.
    I think of him as being very kind, a true gentleman. Gloria, it was always an honor and privilege to try and help when you ask.
    May God hold and love you all real close with his Devine comfort!! Love you all

    Reply
  6. Joe Luther

    Gloria–So sorry for your loss. Billy Joe was such a good friend to me.
    Joe Luther

    Reply
  7. Anthony & Kay Honey

    We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort.

    Reply
  8. Mary Ann Tackett

    Gloria and family, what can I say when I say I am so very sorry about your dad. We always hate to lose those we love so dear but life has a way of leading to death and we all will cross that river. We have all lost so many that we love so dear and I am deeply sorry. You know without asking I would do anything for yall so if I am needed, please just ask.
    LOVE YALL SO MUCH, MaryT

    Reply
  9. Bobby and Laura Bailey

    So very sorry about Mr Billy Joe..his is no longer lost and has found his way. We love you Gloria, Kim, and girls so very much. May you all find peace and comfort in the days to come..Love you sister

    Reply
  10. Barry Green

    Gloria and family we are sorry about your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    Barry and Janice Green

    Reply
  11. Hazel Hyde

    Prayers for you Gloria and Kim. You two have been very devoted daughter and grand daughter. He loved you two dearly. May he Rest In Peace with the Lord.

    Reply
  12. Love, Linda Groce Ashby

    Prayers for you, Gloria, and your family. Nobody could have been a more caring, devoted, and compassionate daughter than you! Your dad was a sweet caring man! Now he’s in the Lords company!💕😇🙏

    Reply
  13. Judy Holt

    So sorry for your loss praying for the family and friends.

    Reply
  14. Nancy Barnett Darnall

    My parents always thought so much of Jean and Billy Joe. He shared the exact birthdate as my mother, but I doubt they knew it. It is hard to imagine Fayetteville and Lincoln County without Mr. and Mrs. Gowan. Gloria, you have my deepest condolences.

    Reply
  15. Judy Moyers

    May the love of God embrace you during this time and heal the pain you feel in your heart.. He was a blessed man to have five beautiful ladies who loved him so.much.. I am sorry.

    Reply
  16. Robin Shelton

    May the many memories of Mr. Billy Joe carry you through to brighter days. My mother and Clyde loved him so much.

    Reply
  17. Patricia and Jerry Reese

    Prayers to the family , Gloria , Christine and all

    Reply
  18. Ronnie snd Eloise Hudgins

    Gloria and Kim so sorry to learn of your dad and grandad’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  19. Barbara Faulkner

    Praying for God’s comfort during this difficult time of grief for family.

    Reply
  20. Anne Beddingfield

    I extend my deepest sympathy to you. My heart is broken for you all. Prayers for peace and comfort.

    Reply
  21. Bubba

    Gloria , your father was so respected by everyone for the concern and care he showed each individual whatever their situation in life was.
    He will always have a special place in my life.

    Reply
  22. Dennis Eddins

    Sorry to hear about Mr. Billy Joe. He was a friend of my step father. My fondest memory of him was that he gave me a full tank of gas to return to school. May he rest in peace. He was well liked.

    Reply
  23. Sandy Bradley Gates

    Gloria I am so sorry for your loss. You have been such a good daughter and your dad was so proud of you and Kim. Both of your parents were special and I’m glad i knew them

    Reply
  24. Judy Stafford

    Gloria,Kim and Family, I’m so sorry to hear about Billy Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  25. Jimmy and Janice Towry

    Gloria and family, you have our deepest sympathy in your loss. Our prayers are for your comfort and peace during this time.

    Reply
  26. Dean Slayton

    Gloria, I am so sorry for your loss. Enjoy you sweet memories of your dad. I know he was loved and cherished by many.

    Reply
  27. Judy warren

    Sending prayers for all the family!

    Reply
  28. Denise & Rickey Smith

    our thoughts and prayers go out to you Gloria..we are so sorry for your loss. may GOD give you comfort during this most difficult time.

    Reply
  29. Edward & Vera Campbell

    Gloria, I was saddened to read about Billy Joe. You know we always thought the world of him. I will always remember his smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  30. Paula Pitts

    Gloria and Kim So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  31. Danny & Brenda Wallace

    We are sorry to hear of Billy Joe’s passing. He was a good man who always took time to say something to make you feel good. I was glad to know him and his family. Our sincere condolences to Gloria and family

    Reply
    • Lenace Hyde

      Mrs. Gloria and Kim,
      So very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and grandad. Hold all your precious memories close . Prayers for you and your family at this time.
      Love ,
      Lenace

      Reply
  32. Nanette Taylor

    Gloria, I am so sorry for your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  33. Wanda Williams

    Gloria, and family, We’re so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was so good to people in Lincoln County and made a great mark on this community. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead and let your sweet memories overflow at this time. Our love, Wanda and Bob Williams and Naomi Wallace

    Reply
  34. Nancy Woods

    So sorry to hear bout billy joe and my prayers go out to Gloria and all the family

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Memories

35 Comments

  1. Tracey A Smith

    Mr. Gowan. Billy Joe and my dad were great friends. I remember when I was 16 years old with no money. Billy Joe let me put car tires on credit. I paid him every week , and finally paid them off. He was a great man. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  2. Linda Holland

    Gloria, I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing . You have been a faithful and devoted caregiver to him. I will be thinking of you in the coming days and weeks.

    Reply
  3. Doyle and Linda Hasty

    Gloria,

    You and your family are in our prayers at this most difficult time. Billy Joe was such a joy to talk and visit with. I am proud to have your family as one of my Lincoln county families of relatives after my grandmother and mother came up to Bedford County where I was born.
    It was such a delight to visit a number of years ago with Billy Joe and Jean in their beautiful home at the golf course.

    I fully appreciate the fact that you gave so very much to make the end years of his life
    so much more comfortable and fun. He sure enjoyed those rides and treats. We enjoyed seeing you and he at Tullahoma at Wendy’s with him on a ride.

    May God‘s blessings be upon you and your family for treating your parents with the greatest respect and care.

    Doyle and Linda Hasty
    PS Sorry Covid virus will keep us away because I have health issue.

    Reply
  4. Sherry Norris

    Gloria and Kim. I am so sorry for your lost. We loved BJ and Mama Jean so much. I have so many memories of our times at their house. We had so many laughs. Love Sherry and the love of James Norris

    Reply
  5. Danny Medlen

    Gloria, Kim and family,
    You are in my prayers at this most difficult of times.
    I think of him as being very kind, a true gentleman. Gloria, it was always an honor and privilege to try and help when you ask.
    May God hold and love you all real close with his Devine comfort!! Love you all

    Reply
  6. Joe Luther

    Gloria–So sorry for your loss. Billy Joe was such a good friend to me.
    Joe Luther

    Reply
  7. Anthony & Kay Honey

    We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort.

    Reply
  8. Mary Ann Tackett

    Gloria and family, what can I say when I say I am so very sorry about your dad. We always hate to lose those we love so dear but life has a way of leading to death and we all will cross that river. We have all lost so many that we love so dear and I am deeply sorry. You know without asking I would do anything for yall so if I am needed, please just ask.
    LOVE YALL SO MUCH, MaryT

    Reply
  9. Bobby and Laura Bailey

    So very sorry about Mr Billy Joe..his is no longer lost and has found his way. We love you Gloria, Kim, and girls so very much. May you all find peace and comfort in the days to come..Love you sister

    Reply
  10. Barry Green

    Gloria and family we are sorry about your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    Barry and Janice Green

    Reply
  11. Hazel Hyde

    Prayers for you Gloria and Kim. You two have been very devoted daughter and grand daughter. He loved you two dearly. May he Rest In Peace with the Lord.

    Reply
  12. Love, Linda Groce Ashby

    Prayers for you, Gloria, and your family. Nobody could have been a more caring, devoted, and compassionate daughter than you! Your dad was a sweet caring man! Now he’s in the Lords company!💕😇🙏

    Reply
  13. Judy Holt

    So sorry for your loss praying for the family and friends.

    Reply
  14. Nancy Barnett Darnall

    My parents always thought so much of Jean and Billy Joe. He shared the exact birthdate as my mother, but I doubt they knew it. It is hard to imagine Fayetteville and Lincoln County without Mr. and Mrs. Gowan. Gloria, you have my deepest condolences.

    Reply
  15. Judy Moyers

    May the love of God embrace you during this time and heal the pain you feel in your heart.. He was a blessed man to have five beautiful ladies who loved him so.much.. I am sorry.

    Reply
  16. Robin Shelton

    May the many memories of Mr. Billy Joe carry you through to brighter days. My mother and Clyde loved him so much.

    Reply
  17. Patricia and Jerry Reese

    Prayers to the family , Gloria , Christine and all

    Reply
  18. Ronnie snd Eloise Hudgins

    Gloria and Kim so sorry to learn of your dad and grandad’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  19. Barbara Faulkner

    Praying for God’s comfort during this difficult time of grief for family.

    Reply
  20. Anne Beddingfield

    I extend my deepest sympathy to you. My heart is broken for you all. Prayers for peace and comfort.

    Reply
  21. Bubba

    Gloria , your father was so respected by everyone for the concern and care he showed each individual whatever their situation in life was.
    He will always have a special place in my life.

    Reply
  22. Dennis Eddins

    Sorry to hear about Mr. Billy Joe. He was a friend of my step father. My fondest memory of him was that he gave me a full tank of gas to return to school. May he rest in peace. He was well liked.

    Reply
  23. Sandy Bradley Gates

    Gloria I am so sorry for your loss. You have been such a good daughter and your dad was so proud of you and Kim. Both of your parents were special and I’m glad i knew them

    Reply
  24. Judy Stafford

    Gloria,Kim and Family, I’m so sorry to hear about Billy Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  25. Jimmy and Janice Towry

    Gloria and family, you have our deepest sympathy in your loss. Our prayers are for your comfort and peace during this time.

    Reply
  26. Dean Slayton

    Gloria, I am so sorry for your loss. Enjoy you sweet memories of your dad. I know he was loved and cherished by many.

    Reply
  27. Judy warren

    Sending prayers for all the family!

    Reply
  28. Denise & Rickey Smith

    our thoughts and prayers go out to you Gloria..we are so sorry for your loss. may GOD give you comfort during this most difficult time.

    Reply
  29. Edward & Vera Campbell

    Gloria, I was saddened to read about Billy Joe. You know we always thought the world of him. I will always remember his smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  30. Paula Pitts

    Gloria and Kim So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  31. Danny & Brenda Wallace

    We are sorry to hear of Billy Joe’s passing. He was a good man who always took time to say something to make you feel good. I was glad to know him and his family. Our sincere condolences to Gloria and family

    Reply
    • Lenace Hyde

      Mrs. Gloria and Kim,
      So very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and grandad. Hold all your precious memories close . Prayers for you and your family at this time.
      Love ,
      Lenace

      Reply
  32. Nanette Taylor

    Gloria, I am so sorry for your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  33. Wanda Williams

    Gloria, and family, We’re so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was so good to people in Lincoln County and made a great mark on this community. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead and let your sweet memories overflow at this time. Our love, Wanda and Bob Williams and Naomi Wallace

    Reply
  34. Nancy Woods

    So sorry to hear bout billy joe and my prayers go out to Gloria and all the family

    Reply

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