Billy Richard Cowden born Knoxville, TN. January 24, 1940 departed his earthly life August 21, 2017.
He was the beloved son of J. C. and Golda Cecile Cowden. Captain Cowden was an active and varied outdoorsman throughout his life.
Billy, backed by his dad, participated in Knoxville Boat Racing winning many trophies and medals. He also played shortstop on a Knox County softball team for several years just for love of the game. He was a championship bowler winning the Tennessee Bowling Championship in 1964. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and camper and enjoyed playing golf for many years.
After serving his tour of duty with the United States Air Force he applied and was accepted into the Police Academy, graduated and served with the City of Knoxville Police Department. Later he applied and was accepted into the Knox County Sheriffs Department as an Investigator.
Throughout his years of service he worked in several facets of law enforcement working his way up and attaining the rank of Captain. He retired in 2007 after 40 years of service.
Captain Cowden loved and respected his job and was awarded many citations throughout his years of service. Among them was Officer of the Year in 1987.
Captain Cowden is survived by his sister, Carolyn Cowden White, nephew, David Monroe White, Jr., both Dillon, SC; nieces Carol White Reid (Andrew), Charleston, SC, Cecilia White McIntyre, Marshville, NC, Cynthia Jean White, Gastonia NC.; grand-nephews, David Allen Glenn and Matthew Thomas Glenn both of California; grand-nieces, Danielle Page White, Mt. Pleasant, SC and Anna Gabriella McIntyre, Marshville, NC.
He is preceded in death by parents J.C. and “Goldie” Cowden, David Monroe White, SR. (Carolyn) Christina Williamson White (David), Douglas Arthur McIntyre (Cecilia).
At Billy’s request he was cremated and his ashes scattered privately. A memorial stone will be placed in Lynnhurst Cemetary next to his parents. As requested there was no funeral service. Instead he was honered with a gathering of friends and co-workers from Knox County Sheriff’s Department with a celebration of life which was designated “Captain Billy R. Cowden Day.”
This celebration was held on August 12, 2017 at the home of friends and caretakers retired Sgt, Mike Craig and wife, Rhonda. Billy’s sister, Carolyn, niece, Cecilia, grand-niece Anna, and nephew, David, were at Billy’s bedside daily for three weeks prior to his death. Heartfelt thanks are extended to caretakers Mike and Rhonda Craig and the nurses of Tenova Hospice for their excellent care. Billy though gone from our sight but never from our heart will not be forgotten.
