Billy Joe Rowell

Billy Joe Rowell, 94, of McCool, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at his residence surrounded with his family by his side. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Jordan Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Jordan Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at McCool Cemetery. Amanda Matthews will officiate the services.

Billy was born on December 23, 1931, to his parents, Robert Jones Rowell and Virginia Katherine Fowler in McCool, Mississippi. He served his country by joining the United States of America Army, where he served as a Sergeant. Billy fought in the Korean War. Billy married the love of his life, Thelma Joyce Rowell, on December 23, 1955, in McCool, Mississippi. They spent 70 wonderful years making memories with their family. They moved as newlyweds to Brownsfield, Texas, then later Phoenix, Arizona, where he trained as a horse jockey. Billy and Thelma later settled in Pearl, Mississippi, raising their family. His civilian career was working for various dealerships in the parts department as a manager. He retired from Paul Moak Pontiac. Billy was well respected in the business and was asked to put together inventory crews for dealerships across the Jackson area and many outside the area in Mississippi. He later retired in 1999, and moved back home to McCool, Mississippi.

Billy served his hometown by leading and guiding them for 4 years with his wisdom during his years as mayor and also on The Board of Alderman. He had a love for Ole Miss football, New Orleans Saints, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Billy adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed making special memories with them. He also had a great love for animals, in which he nurtured many pets over the years.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Christy (Darryl) Griffin of Independence, Missouri; granddaughter and caregiver, Leslie (Rob) Simpson of Kosciusko, Mississippi, granddaughters, Amanda (Michael) Matthews of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jennifer Bierstine of Springfield, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Mila Schmidt of Independence, Missouri, Braedyn Matthews of Kansas City, Missouri, Dominic Matthews of Kansas City, Missouri, Kamilla Robinson of Independence, Missouri, and Serena Tripp of Independence, Missouri; and sister, Elizabeth Ann Brock of Gautier, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Thelma Joyce Rowell; son, Robert “Robbie” Haynes Rowell; parents, Robert Jones Rowell and Virginia “Jenny” Katherine Fowler; brothers, Jimmy “Tootsie” Rowell, Bobby Charles Rowell, half-brother, Robert Jones Rowell, Jr.; and sisters, Gladys Jean Sims and Peggy Lynn Rowell.

Serving as pallbearers are Rob Simpson, Stacey Sims, Darryl Griffin, Michael Matthews, Scott Dempsey, Braedyn Matthews, and Dominic Matthews. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be David Fancher, Ben Wilkinson, and Mac Anthony Sims.

The family wants to thank each one of his in-home caregivers, Misty Sims, Lesa Hazley, Ida Riley, and Accent Care Hospice for their amazing support and care.