Billy Joe Sowell's Obituary
CELEBRATING THE LIFE
OF
BILLY JOE (BJ) SOWELL
March 31, 1935 – June 1, 2017
MEMORIAL SERVICE (Sacramento, CA) – Saturday, June 10, 2:00 p.m. @ North Metro Church of Christ, 4191 Norwood Ave, Sac., 95838
Military Ceremony – Directly after Memorial Services – Metro Church of Christ,
Repass – After Military Ceremony at the Robinson Center 3525 Norwood Ave, Sac. 95838
MEMORIAL SERVICE (Dickson, Tennessee) – Saturday, June 17, 2:00 p.m. @ New Hope Baptist Church of Christ,
He arrived in this world (Martin, Tennessee) on March 31, 1935, as the only son of Willis Sowell and Bracy Oneal Sowell. He had four older sisters, three of which, along with his parents preceded him in death – Thelma & Ruby Mae Sowell and Evelyn Sowell Davis.
He lived a full life and leaves many, many loved ones to morn his passing: his wife Gershom (Quincy Joyce) Sowell, a step-son John Eric Edwards-EL, whom he referred to simply as ‘our son,’ a treasured sister, Willie Jean Sowell Pugh of Minneapolis MN., – they prayed together and talked daily.
Though he had no children of his own, he was “a father” to many. He wanted to adopt some of them (Torria N., Nicole, Tia and Todd Joyce). A host of nieces and nephews – he was “Uncle Billy” to some and “Uncle BJ” to some, and to others, simply “Uncle” – each one sure that they were THE ‘special one’ – he loved them all. Two step- daughters (from a previous marriage) Debra Strickland, and Alfrieda Williams and five grandchildren, one of which Angie proceeded him in death. He had a very special and loving relationship with his grandson, Darryl Hayden. Darryl and Torria Joyce, along with his wife, were his rock throughout his illness. He also leaves to morn a host of special cousins and friends from throughout the world.
Some called him Mr. Jazz Man
Others just called Him a Man of God.
He liked praying in early soft morning sunlight, early morning breezes, and the sound of birds chirping.
Chatting with neighbors, weeding the flowerbeds and reading poems – or stories – aloud.
He liked music of all genres – from Country to Classical, singing along or just listening.
He was a connoisseur of good food, loved trains, sharing his faith and teaching Bible Class. Though he had professed his faith in Christ at an early age, he was baptized into the Church of Christ in the early 90s. He loved traveling, fishing and just reminiscing with old friends – once you touched his life you were forever connected.
From him, you learned what it was like being a child of God, how your faith can sustain you through the hard times and dark places. What it was like growing up under Jim Crow laws; what it was like attending a segregated elementary school in Martin, Tennessee and High School in Dickson, TN, (especially on cold winter mornings); what it was like upon graduating from a segregated High School to joining a Segregated Air Force and giving over 20 years to the Military. What it was like transcending from the Military life into a second career in the United State Post Office. What it was like returning to school and obtaining his Associate Degree from Sacramento City College and oh, such much more.
Though he leaves a void in all our lives we gather today, not to mourn but, to celebrate the life of this
HARD FIGHTING SOLDIER,
Brother Sowell.
He has fought the good fight, he has finished his course and he has kept the faith . . .
II Timothy 4:7
What’s your fondest memory of Billy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Billy?
Share a story where Billy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billy you’ll never forget.
How did Billy make you smile?