Costner Funeral Home | Gastonia, NC

Obituary For Zeb McDowell

On Friday, October 16, 2021, Zeb McDowell departed this life to go home to live with his Heavenly Father. He was loved, respected and an inspiration to all who knew him personally and those who had heard of him.

Zeb McDowell is a part of the Mount Holly Historical Society. In 1953 he graduated from Reid High School in Belmont, NC, where he excelled in Football. He received college scholarship offers from colleges such as A&T University. Due to the death of his father, he decided to stay home and help the family, and for that long-waited reward, he was inducted into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame in August 2015. At that current time, he was 83-year-old. At the age of 55, after 35 years of service, he retired from Duke Energy and worked his business McDowell & Son Concrete and Lawn Care Service full time. Up until his death, he was still actively involved and pouring concrete for major contract throughout the city and surrounding counties, such as the McGuire Nuclear Station. The last couple of years, he has been a caregiver for his wife Stella. At an early age, Zeb joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and was a VERY active member. “The first one there and the last one to leave!” And ALWAYS working.” His service and activities were numerous such as Trustee, Deacon, Church School, Bible School, Choir, Lawn/Building care, sometimes he was seen in the soundboard room, and he probably would preach if asked hard enough. He loved Revivals.

A few of his favorite things: cooking; he was famous for his pecan pies, sweet potato pies, and iced tea. He like eating at Golden Corral and KFC. He loved Niece’s Thursday biscuits. His favorite TV shows included The Price is Right and Let’s Make a Deal. Zeb McDowell, affectionally known as “Granddaddy, Uncle Mac, The Concrete Man, and Mayor by family and friends.

Zeb was the son of the late Rosie and Wardell McDowell, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories and great stories: his wife, of 35 years Stella, her son, Edwin McLean, his sister, Grace Thompson, son, Donald Harris (Gwen), daughter, Carolyn Stowe (Renard) grandchildren: TJ Harris (Crystal), Aria Courtney, Stephen Z., Donald Jr. and Trinity Harris, great-grands: Hunter and Hailey Harris.

Gone before him are his siblings: Wardell McDowell, Jr., Charles McDowell, Pensicola Higgins, Daisey Riley, Clara McBride, and James McDowell. He was a very close and loving person. Uncle Zeb was a man of his word. He loved his nieces and nephews, extended family, community, and church family. Always willing to help and serve.

“WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT” Be thankful to God, show love, understanding and forgiveness each day. Death can happen at any age. It does not discriminate and there are all types of statistical information available to prove it. When you know you are in right standing with God, you can enjoy life. So, I ask the question, are you living out God’s purpose for your life?

Arrangements are as follow:

Place: Bethel Baptist Church, Mt. Holly, North Carolina

Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021

Burial: Hillcrest Gardens, Mt. Holly, North Carolina

Public viewing at the funeral home Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 pm

Guest Book

Mr. Zeb we will miss seeing you at First Baptist and at all of the different Baptist functions. We 🙏🙏🙏 pray that God will bless your family. Rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️. FB Hymn Choir

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To the family of Deacon Zeb McDowell we offer our heartfelt sympathy and share in your loss in our community and church. We love you dearly. Billie Luckey and family!

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Rest in Peace Uncle Zeb. Uncle Zeb was truly a man who loved the Lord. He fought a good fight, God saw him getting tired, so he called him home. No more hurting no more pain. He is now in the arms of the Lord. Many prayers are going up for the family. Lillie,Gloria, Linda, and Daniel

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We will miss Zeb. He was a great friend and brother to us. Family, you have our deepest sympathy, and we will continue to keep you in our prayers. Love, peace, and comfort, The Belton Family

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Condolences to the McDowell family and to the Harris family. RIP --- Jeff Ballard

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To all Mr.Zebs Family and Friends I know you will greatly miss him. Thinking of you at this time Hazel Rozzelle Grier former Sandy Ford neighbor

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Costner Funeral Home | Gastonia, NC