
Billy Ray McGowan, age 77 of Rossville, went home to be with the lord on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He was born in Whitwell, TN , to the late Lester and Kathleen(Perkins) McGowan. He has lived in the Chattanooga/North Georgia area, for most of his life, accompanied by his wife, of 20 years. Billy proudly served his country, as a Vietnam Veteran. He was a long-time member of Richard Harkins Ministry, as he was deeply committed to living a Christ centered life - always showing kindness, humility, and compassion to everyone. Billy was known for his stellar guitar playing, and has played in numerous gospel groups.
Billy is preceded in death, by his loving wife of 47 years, Wanda(Lunsford) McGowan, and sister, Deborah Driver. He is survived by his loving children: Tim(Candye) Lunsford, and Tammy(James) Sherrill; siblings Donnie McGowan, Lester”Binky” McGowan, Linda Painter, Betty Waters and Julia”Judy” Quinn; Grandchildren, Nathan Sherrill, Emily Lunsford, Timothy A. Lunsford and Savanna Sherrill; step grandchildren, Arron Gribble, Allen Gribble, and Devin Gribble; and 10 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in the funeral home chapel with reverend, Steve Youngblood. Interment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00PM- 8:00PM, on Monday and prior to the service on Tuesday. Arrangements will be held by W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home.
We are grateful for the time we had with Billy, and we find comfort in the words of Romans 14:8: For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. May Billy McGowan rest in the loving arms of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Visitation

555 West Cloud Springs Road
Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742
(706) 866-5555
Service/Mass

555 West Cloud Springs Road
Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742
(706) 866-5555
Interment Funeral

1200 Bailey Ave,
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Funeral Home in Charge

555 West Cloud Springs Road
Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742
(706) 866-5555