William Andrew McDowney, Sr.

Life Reflections:

William Andrew McDowney Sr. was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on June 28, 1928, to the union of the late Gertrude and Wesley McDowney. The second-born of 16 total children, he was preceded in death by his siblings Abe McDowney, Abraham “Stimmy” McDowney, Emmanuel “Butch” McDowney, Charles McDowney, Curtis McDowney, Gertrude McDowney, Isabelle “Teeny” Bushrod, Junior “Drake” McDowney, Mary-Alice McDowney, Walter “Shorty” McDowney, Wesley McDowney, and Yvonne “Bony” Davis. He is survived by his siblings Clarence McDowney, Mary Wyetta Simms, and Reverend Welford McDowney. He is also survived by several sisters-in-law, including Beulah McDowney, Elizabeth McDowney, Jeanette McDowney, Louise McDowney, and Virginia McDowney.

William entered the world of work at a young age and became a man of many talents through his exploration of various roles. As a teen, he picked up odd jobs and periodically worked on fishing boats. In adulthood, he grew knowledgeable of numerous roadways through his experiences as a trucker; and he became handy through his time as a construction worker in Indian Head, Maryland. Once he suffered a back injury while working at his job in Maryland, William retired on disability and took to the work he became most known for, which is raising animals (such as hogs and chickens) and growing expansive vegetable gardens. Well into his 80s, and even as an amputee, William continued to independently care for his gardens, lovingly feeding his family and friends.

A family man from beginning to end, William met his wife (the late Mary “Maggie” McDowney) when the two were just children. William would often recount, with a chuckle, that he used to throw spitballs at Maggie when she would sit on the bench in front of him at the school house where they attended classes together. Eventually, spitballs were replaced with butterflies, and the two were together for several years before getting married in Fall of 1950. William has shared stories of the couple’s union, which took place at a brick church in LaPlata Maryland, recalling that he did not bring a wedding band for his finger. Always creative in her approach, Maggie took one of her rings off and put it on the tip of William’s finger when the pastor asked that they exchange rings.

The two went on to grow a large family, which has only expanded with each passing year. William is preceded in death by 1 child, Michael McDowney. He is survived by his remaining 6 children and their spouses: William “Duck” McDowney, Murphy McDowney (Evelyn), Charles “Eddie Boy” McDowney (Leola), James McDowney, Mary “GiGi” Riley, and Dale McDowney (Roselea). William is survived by 25 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren.

William had a profound devotion to his spirituality, and he was known for spreading the word of God to anyone he encountered. Along with his faith and gardening, William’s interests included cars (especially Chevrolet vehicles), eating seafood, and spending quality time with his many family and friends. His thunderous voice and laughter emitted warmth, and it was always easy for William to quickly turn a stranger into a friend.  

William transitioned from his earthly life in the early morning hours of Memorial Day, May 27, 2024. As has been the case for much of his life, he was surrounded by family in the days and moments leading up to his passing. The night before his eternal rest began, William had conversations with many of his children and grandchildren, discussing things that ranged from his craving for French toast to the love he had for his family members and his understanding of their deep love for him. He prayed, he laughed, he talked, and he loved, just the same as he had done for all 95 years of his life. While he will be sorely missed in his earthly absence, William leaves behind an immeasurable spirit of joy and strength through his legacy, and “ole’ fella say” he is in a better place now. 

A Service of Remembrance for William Andrew McDowney, Sr., of Colonial Beach, Virginia will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 11AM in the sanctuary of the Good Hope Baptist Church, 17223 Good Hope Road, King George, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the McDowney Family Cemetery, Pomona Road, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Remains may be viewed from 5PM until 6PM on Friday, June 7 in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 10AM until service time on Saturday, June 8 at Good Hope Baptist Church.

Services will be live streamed via Facebook live on our Weldon-fisher funeral home page by B&B Media LLC. (Mark Bunns)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Andrew McDowney, Sr., please visit our floral store.