William Graves McDowell Jr.

Bessemer High School is so proud of its many extraordinary students that walked it's hallowed halls like Bill & I too am proud to say I graduated with Billy Mac bc he was always such a respectful perfect gentleman. Also, I will always be grateful to him for winning our BHS vs Hueytown game Thanksgiving morning for several important reasons! I knew in school you would make this world a better place in the future. Looking forward to seeing you once again some day .

Although four years older than Bill and a Bessemer High School classmate, I remember him fondly as a special young man with "leadership" stamped all over him. Bill left his mark at Bessemer High when, as a senior, he kicked the winning field goal to defeat arch rival, Hueytown, 3-0 on Thanksgiving morning. My condolences and prayers for understanding to Bill´s family.

I was fortunate to be a pledge brother of Billy Mac's at UA....great friend and just all around wonderful person....have thought about him and so many others over the years....he still had his QB skills at UA as he threw me several TD passes at inter-frat games.....Just pray McDowell family will find heavenly strength at this time...

So sorry for your loss, forever in your heart.

I did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. McDowell, personally, but it has been my good fortune to have become acquainted with one of his daughters. Martha McDowell Foster, is the wife of my cherished colleague and friend, Jeff Foster ... a gentleman with discriminating taste, a keen intellect and excellent judgement. When Jeff and Martha began dating, became a serious couple and eventually married, I knew she must have been an exceptional person. After becoming acquainted with Jeff's wife,...

I was a few years ahead of Bill at Bessemer High School but got to know him thru sports. He was one of the "good guys", always a smile and made you feel special. I last saw him at the 50th class reunion of his BHS class of 1961. My wife, Pauline and I, were fortunate to share a table of eight with Bill and Clare. Our condolences to Clare and family. Rest in peace, old friend...