Sammy Lee McDowell, age 81, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 8, 2026. He was born on March 19, 1945, in Snyder, Texas, to Floyd and Allie McDowell.

Sammy was previously employed by the Arkansas and Texas Highway Departments before pursuing a career as a pipe and tube welder. His work took him to various states, where he not only shared his skills and knowledge with those he worked with but also made a lasting impact on others through his willingness to help and his strong values.

A Christian by faith, Sammy was a devoted member and deacon of Lake Country Baptist Church. While his work, family, and hobbies were important parts of his life, his faith in God was his greatest priority. He loved sharing the Gospel with others and spending time studying the Word of God. His faith was the foundation of his life and a reflection of the values he lived by each day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Allie McDowell; three sisters, Dorothy, Pearl, and Mary; as well as three brothers, Billy, George, and Allison.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 61 years, Jean McDowell; and his sons, Tony McDowell (Dianne), and John McDowell (Wendy Jo); his grandchildren, Paige Starnes (Shelton), Joshua McDowell (Toni), Nathanael McDowell (Jaydan), Ashlyn Bates (Casey); great-grandchildren, Aaralyn Jo Bates, Aidyn Bates, Emmaline McDowell, and Eleanor Starnes; sister, Ann McBride (Billy); brother, W.B. McDowell (Pat); along with a host of nieces, nephews, co-workers, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in the chapel of Chapelwood Funeral Home. A visitation time will be held the evening prior, Monday October 12, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM. Mr. McDowell will be laid to rest following the service at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens.