Joe Bob Mcdowell

Waynesville – Joe Bob McDowell, 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Memorial Mission Hospital from complications from a vehicle accident.

Joe Bob was a native of Haywood County, spending much of his career in Rock Hill, South Carolina and later residing in Waynesville.  He was the son of the late Lorian Cecil “LC” and Berta McCook McDowell; in addition to his parents, Joe Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Vivian Rhinehart; five brothers, Ray, Wayne, Neal, Buddy and Joe Bob’s twin, Marvin McDowell.  Joe Bob married the love of his life, Nancy Hipps McDowell on July 11, 1956.  Shortly after the wedding, the two moved to Texas where Joe Bob began his career in the paper industry.  In the early 60’s, Joe Bob moved his family to Rock Hill, South Carolina, spending most of his career with Bowater Carolina Incorporated.  If you are over the age of 50 and lived on the East Coast, it is likely you read your newspaper on paper he made.  Despite the many hours of work, family was most important to Joe Bob.  He was a man of integrity, and if there was a neighbor or friend in need, Joe Bob was there to help.  As a father, Joe Bob adored his two sons and modeled what it was to be a Christ-centered parent.  He took pride in his lawn and cherished the many trips he was privileged to take with Nancy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Nancy Hipps McDowell, of Waynesville; two sons, Mike McDowell, of Springfield, Virginia and Jeff McDowell and his wife, Kathy, of Slidell, Louisiana; one sister, Patricia Lowe, of Akron, Ohio; four grandchildren, Adam McDowell (Jessica), Christopher McDowell (Peg), Melissa Gutridge (Matt), and David McDowell; and six great-grandchildren, Smith, Reeves, August, Peyton, Henry and Charlie.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church with the Reverend Chris Westmoreland and Reverend Tim McConnell officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church “Tullis Sunday School Class” 133 Old Clyde Rd. Waynesville, NC 28785 or the Haywood County Library.

Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing will be observed.

The care of Mr. McDowell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes.