Billy Mowdy

Billy Lonzo Mowdy, age 83, went to be with the Lord and his family at 5:10 Wednesday evening February 5th, 2025 surrounded by his family at Ballad Health in Bristol, TN. Billy was born July 3rd, 1941 in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County, where he worked alongside his brothers and nephews doing carpentry work and roofing. Billy was patient, kind, and dependable. He loved children and his family and was always concerned about their welfare. He was a man of few words who did not care for "fancy things" or earthly materials that life had to offer but, instead preferred a big pot of soup beans and cornbread and a good pair of overalls with one of the galluses unsnapped for more breathing room as he once said. He was slow and steady, and both gentle and strong in all his own ways. He was loved by all who knew him. He spent the last years of his life helping Zack remodel his home. Taking Dyllon "sane" digging and going to wherever Landon was playing music to hear him. Also, he was particularly fond of Zeke and Katie whom he called little Elsie. He also thought the world of Shelia his sister-in-law who took care of him in his last years making sure he took his vitamins and went to his doctor’s visits. She also made Billy many pots of soup beans and cornbread. Those who went before him that he loved dearly, Billy stayed by their side till they took their last breath. One of those people was Sandy Heady, his girlfriend of many years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elsie (Brown) Mowdy; one brother, Timothy Marvin Mowdy; five sisters, Emma Lee Gross, Carolyn Mowdy (died at 6yrs old from 3rd degree burns), Marjorie Mowdy (6 weeks old), Faye and Connie Mowdy who died at birth. 

Survivors include two brothers, Kelvin (Shelia) Mowdy, and Danny Mowdy; one sister, Burdetta Edwards; Stormy Otey (like a son to Billy); many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews; and other kids loved by Uncle Billy. 

A graveside service will be held on Sunday Feb 9th at 2pm at Johnson Cemetery located on Johnson Cemetery Road in Blountville, TN with Pastor Woody officiating. Music will be provided by Billy's nephews Landon Camper, Terry, Dyllon, and Zack Mowdy (guitars), and Cooper McCoy (bass). 

Pallbearers will be Phil Mowdy, Stormy Otey, Dyllon Mowdy, Terry Mowdy, Zack Mowdy and Landon Camper. 

He will be deeply missed by all of his loved ones.