Maurice McDowell's Obituary
Maurice "Polly" McDowell, 64, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in a local hospital. He was a proud 1979 graduate of Howard High School, where he played on the football team and earned his claim to fame by scoring the winning touchdown against Riverside High School—a moment that gave him the nickname “Speedy McDowell” making him a Howard High School legend. He went on to serve his country as a United States Army veteran.
To know Polly was to love him. His laughter and smile could light up any room. His quick wit had a way of making ordinary days feel like a celebration. He was famous for turning any gathering into a good time and was committed to hosting the best Turkey Bowl in the city—an event friends and family enjoyed each year. Polly’s mission in life was simple but powerful: spread joy, keep people laughing, and leave everyone a little lighter than he found them. His humor, kindness, and larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were blessed to share in his laughter. He will be truly missed.
Maurice is preceded in death by his dad, James Wilson McDowell Sr.; grandmother, Elizabeth McClurkins-Collins; uncle, Willie Collins Jr.; aunt, Wanda Kay Collins; brothers, David McDowell and Tony McDowell; and niece Miracle McDowell.
He leaves to cherish his legacy: mother, Wilma J. McDowell; son, Maurice McDowell, Jr.; daughter, Maricka McDowell; brother, James Wilson McDowell; sister, Rosalyn Smith; cousins, Sredrick Collins and Toriaunto Collins; niece, Robin Lewis; nephew, James McDowell Jr.; best friends, Theodore Wright, Jeffrey Farmer, Michael Bell, Jeffrey Hemphill, Gary Wadley, and Stanley Hubbard; girlfriend, Jacqueline Myree; friend, Willie Mae Jones; and a host of other friends and family. He will lie-in-state Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service to follow at 12 noon in the chapel. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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