Billy Vernon Dowdy

Billy Vernon Dowdy departed to heaven on Thursday, August 4, 2022. He was born to Myrtle and Vernon Dowdy in Whitehouse, Texas, during an ice storm with foot long icicles hanging from the porch. At seven years old, life was good as he first learned his need for speed with the fastest horse in town, Mable. He would later go on to own many Corvettes. He loved drag racing and competed in many venues. At age 13, Billy became “big brother” to his only sibling, Carolyn Dowdy Hallberg. During his time at Whitehouse High School, Billy was a member of the local Baptist church. His senior year, Billy was the lead character in the play, “Zeke and Daisy,” which was so enjoyed, the class had to perform it three times. Billy’s honors in high school included the Tyler Rotary Club, Salutatorian, class favorite, and the wittiest. He loved to make people laugh. Billy began college at Stephen F. Austin, where he was a member of Alpha Chi and graduated with honors. Billy’s teaching career was launched in Trinidad, Texas, in 1958, at the age of 21. He taught English to sixth through twelfth grades, coached girls’ basketball, drove the school bus, and later became the principal. Being only a few years older than some of the students, he quickly became their friend and mentor. While teaching, he got one of his two master’s degrees from East Texas State. In 1966, Billy joined the McLennan Community College faculty at the Connally Air Force Base. This chapter in his life would last for 37 years. He was faculty advisor for many associations on campus, published many teaching articles, and was awarded several honors such as The Piper Professor Nominee, Top Educator, Faculty Development to Europe, and Who’s Who. He also reviewed textbooks for publishers, was a columnist for The Waco Tribune-Herald, wrote many published poems, and was nominated by his colleagues to serve on Professional Development Committees and the Great Teacher seminars. Billy was awarded the Master Teacher as one of his final accomplishments. He was well thought of by many students and colleagues alike for his dedication, knowledge, and helpfulness to serve others. In 1985, Billy and Cathy Hollingsworth were married. They soon bought a little piece of land outside of Waco and built a new home to begin their lives together. Billy accepted Jesus and he and Cathy enjoyed the leadership of Christ in their marriage. Yes, the days of the Corvettes and boats had ended. But they still enjoyed doing everything together. They loved going to see all of the new movies, concerts, restaurants, and just hanging out and talking with friends. Later, they also enjoyed several road trips with Cathy’s brothers and sisters-in-law. In short, Billy has been blessed with a full and successful life with family and friends. To celebrate Billy’s life, a visitation has been planned for Sunday, August 7, from 1 – 2 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home at 6101 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710. The funeral will be the following morning, Monday, August 8, at 10 a.m. at the same location. A procession will follow the service to Chapel Hill Memorial Park at 6296 N. I-35 Frontage Rd, Waco, TX 76706. Pallbearers are Tommy Thomas, Keith Childs, Paul Holder, Bill Parsons, Elmon Clater, and Tony Justice. Officiating the service is Pastor Ramira Pena of Christ the King Baptist Church. Food will be provided by Christ the King Church. The family would like to thank everyone for your participation in this final celebration.