William Gowin

William Lloyd Gowin, 87, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Though he was known as “Bill” or “Lloyd” by friends and family, he introduced himself as “Wild Bill from Tunnel Hill Who Never Worked and Never Will.” Though this always prompted a chuckle, those who knew him knew his work well. He was born in Tunnel Hill on January 14, 1935. After he graduated from Tunnel Hill School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he trained as a mechanic and worked on B-52s when he was stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas. His years of active duty sent him to Cheyenne, WY, and Okinawa, Japan, but his family brought him back to North Georgia.

Bill worked for more than 35 years at Shaw Industries as a maintenance supervisor. His ability to construct or repair manufacturing equipment kept him busy, and his tinkering skills continued at home. Working with his wife, Joyce, he made hundreds of wooden crafts and furniture items. He loved motorcycles and cars, home movies and family gatherings, the Braves and Falcons, and Bike Week at Daytona Beach. A high school athlete himself, he was an avid fan of any activity that his children and grandchildren played, from baseball to soccer, softball, tennis, lacrosse, and dance.

He will be remembered for his genuine smile, friendly conversations, and peace signs as well as his words of wisdom on everything from marriage to cuts of wood. His fondest memories building a swimming pool out of red wood for his young children, a dune buggy, and a California 3-wheeler when they got older. He loved camping trips to Gee Creek, making home movies of the kids on motorcycles, and holiday meals with extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Joyce Stockburger Gowin, parents Roy and Pauline Gowin, and older brother Bob Gowin.

He is survived by his children, Eric Gowin (Wendy) of Dalton, GA, Kelly Golden (Leanne) of Cumming, GA, Anita Moore (Virgil) of Ringgold, GA, and grandchildren Lane Moore, Madison Barrett (Ty), Ian Gowin, Leighton Golden, Jack Golden, and younger brother Gary Gowin of East Ridge, TN.

Minister Mike Gurganus will officiate a memorial service at Ringgold Church of Christ where Bill was a member, on  April 19, 2022, at 6:00 pm with visitation at 5:00 in the Ministry Center

Arrangements made with integrity by Shawn Chapman Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments www. shawnchapmanfh.com

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