Billy J. Cowger
Published 2:27 pm Friday, June 7, 2019
Billy J. Cowger born in Galatia, Illinois to Norma and Kenneth Cowger died at home with his family on May 10, 2019.
Billy was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Keith and son, Shane.
Survivors include his brother, Steve Hazel and his wife Jeanie of Decatur, Illinois
During his lifetime, Billy created a blended family with his wife, Artie after marriage. Jerry, Leslie her husband, Rick, Christine, Colleen, and Joe and his wife Rose, Justin and his wife Jeniffer and Kevin, numerous grands and great grands, including Jackson AKA lil Poppie.
Bill joined the army and fought in the Vietnam Conflict, receiving a Purple Heart. Upon returning from Japan, he was chosen for the 5th Army Color Guard.
Bill was a brakeman for the railroad. Upon moving to Florida, he attended motorcycle mechanic school with wife Artie, where they worked together for 25 years for his mother in law, Patsy Terrell.
Together Bill and Artie moved to Bainbridge, Ga. to watch his son, Justin carry on with family tradition.
Bill loved meeting his friends at Yesterday’s Diner, making homeless bags for BPS and feeding the hungry with Jay. His hardest battle was ALS taking his life only 14 months after his diagnosis.
Bill’s internment will be Monday, June 10 at noon with brother in Christ, Jay Hadley speaking. It will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway.