Roger Lee McDowell

Roger Lee McDowell, 69, of Monroe passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Sylvia Henderson McDowell. Born September 30, 1945, in Clifton Forge, he was the son of the late James Sanford McDowell and the late Sarah Madeline Powell McDowell.

Roger was a retired welder for Greif Brothers Company, a proud member of Big Island Hunt Club, and he was a member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church. Roger was a loving son, husband, daddy, brother, and PaPa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a friend to everyone. Roger also served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by one brother, Johnny McDowell.

In addition to his wife, Roger is survived by his children Tammy Baker and her husband Richard of Faulconerville, Trace McDowell and his wife Amy of Madison Heights, Tanya Follett and her husband Chris of Monroe, Misty McDowell of Elon, Trafton McDowell and his wife Ashley of Monroe, and his “3rd son” Craig Humphreys of Monroe; three siblings, Richard W. McDowell and his wife Kathy of Rock Hill, SC, Sheila Parker and her husband Harrel of Clarksville and Patsy Hamilton and her husband Donald of Appomattox; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends including: Fred Gunter, Vic Stacey, Mike Wyland, Peronneau Brown, Colton Brown, Barney Campbell, Chris Towler, Wallace “Moe” Moore, Neil Massie, Sammy Goff, Josh Brown and Jeremy Cunningham.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Jason Tomlin and Cason Ogden of the Deer Creek Boys for recording Roger’s original song, “Hillbilly’s Ghost.”

“Moments make life worth living.” (Roger McDowell)

A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2015, at the residence of Craig Humphreys. Please contact the family for directions.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com.

Whitten Monelison Chapel, 3966 S. Amherst Highway, Madison Heights, VA 24572, (434) 929-5712, is serving the family.