ATHENS – Billy Gowder, 83, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2015.
A native of Banks County, Mr. Gowder was the last surviving child of the late Lon and Emma Gowder. He was preceded in death by sisters, Susie Mae Martin, Wortie Lee Haynes, Lorene Hoard Toney, Fredna Ash Jackson, and Esther Whitlock; and brothers, Maxie Gowder and Grover “Dee” Gowder.
Survivors include nine nephews; six nieces; and a host of friends. His most special friend, companion, and caretaker was Ms. Hazel Hammond. She and Billy have been very close for over 32 years.
Billy had many jobs in his long lifetime and was no stranger to hard work. He left home when he was 16 years old and began his work career in Athens. He worked in the mills of Athens, construction of gas pipeline, went to Florida, where he worked in the produce business. He returned to Athens to careers at Dairy Pak, General Time, and lots of odd jobs. In 1971 he began work for the University of Georgia golf course, where he retired in 1993. Not ready to slow down, he became general maintenance for Highland Greens Mobile Home Park, where he worked until his health failed in early 2015. Billy was a bargain hunter and horse trader. He bought and sold items all over the area, always getting the best deal or NO DEAL!
When Billy wasn’t working for the public, he was in his garden. He loved to grow thing and share with his friends. His home was filled with his friends. He always had the earliest garden and the first tomatoes and the best collards, which he generously shared with friends and neighbors. He loved to show off his garden to anyone who had time to come by.
Gardening was not his only hobby. He loved to deer hunt and trout fish with his friends. His home was filled with the trophies he had bagged. Pictures with friends and the bounty of his efforts are shared by many. Many trips to the mountains of North Carolina and North Georgia to trout fish with friends filled his spare time.
The Bulldog Nation lost a true fan. Billy never missed celebrating Bulldog football during the season. His Bulldog attire on Saturday left no mistake as to whom he supported.
Billy will be missed by those who he always met with a smile, quick wit, and that little laugh he always had for everyone he met. He never met a stranger and always found a connection to you through a friend or contact. Children always flocked to see him and he loved to see their smile as he presented them with a treat. Helping others was his way of making sure he made a difference in the world he lived. If you needed help, a friend, a meal, or a place to stay for the night, he was your answer.
Those who knew him will sorely miss him, but the ones who never met him have the greater loss. People like Billy don’t stand out in today’s world, but for those who he met, he made an impact in their life they will never forget.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, in the chapel at Bernstein Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at Bernstein, and from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service.
Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.