Mr. Billy Maurice McGowan Jr.

Billy McGowan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, grew up in Newport News, VA, and Germany. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and devoted his career to the fields of engineering and computer science. Known for his love of travel, working on computers, and especially his cooking and silly sense of humor, he brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.

He married his loving wife, Dianne Vineta Pope, on December 22, 1973, in Newport News, VA. Together, they shared 53 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and family.

A proud dog lover, Billy shared his home with his cherished pets—Sassie, Wilber, Herbie, Littlefoot, and Chuy—whom he adored and enjoyed teaching tricks. His favorite pastimes included traveling, telling jokes, going to the movies, and cooking for family and friends. He had a special fondness for the colors brown and black.

He was honored with several military awards, reflecting his dedication and service.

Above all, Billy loved his family deeply and treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Fleming McGowan.

Billy is survived by his father, Billy Maurice McGowan Sr.; his wife of 53 years, Dianne McGowan; his daughter, Lakessia Antionette Robinson, and her husband, Aubrey D. Robinson, along with their four children: Curtis Jones Massenburg Jr., Tajee Jhime Massenburg, Nariya Nashan Riley, and Aubrey D. Robinson Jr.; his son, Billy Maurice McGowan III, and Latonya McGowan, with their three children: Brianna Holmes, Laila Nicole McGowan, and Billy Maurice McGowan IV; his brother, Michael Anthony McGowan, his wife Sherrie McGowan, and their three children: Mikey McGowan, Nicole McGowan, and Stephanie Dadlaney; and his brother, Darrell McGowan, his wife Ninfa McGowan, and their two children: Nigel McGowan and Gavin McGowan.

He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Curtis Jones Massenburg Jr., Tajee Jhime Massenburg, Brianna Holmes, Nariya Nashan Riley, Aubrey DeAnthony Robinson Jr., Laila Nicole McGowan, Billy Maurice McGowan IV; and Yaqub Eadaghli, Aiesha Eadaghli, Sulaiman Eadaghli, and Atlas DeAnthony Riley.

Billy’s warm spirit, loving nature, and infectious sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Katy Funeral Home, located at 23350 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494, on July 9, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on July 10, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The committal service will be conducted at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on July 10, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.