Billy Roy Nowell passed away Saturday, October 5th, 2024 in Amarillo, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 8th at Quanah Memorial Park with interment to follow.

Billy was born June 29, 1929 in Quanah, Texas to Leonard Adolpus Nowell and Willie Dee White Nowell. He learned to farm behind a team of mules. In 1939, Leonard traded in all his mules and some of his implements for a John Deere "B" tractor. After graduating from Quanah High School, Billy enrolled at Hardin College in Wichita Falls, Texas. In 1951 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in the US Army 50th Signal Battalion at the 16th Corp Headquarters at Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. After graduating from Midwestern University, he married Alene Catherine Morbitzer. They raised their family on his boyhood farm north of Quanah in the Marshall Community.

Bill served many years in the Quanah Riding Club and was part of the group that built the Quanah Rodeo Arena. He drove his family many miles to several rodeos and youth events every year. He was named the Hardeman County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1997. In 2011, Billy and his son, Max, received recognition at the State Capital in Austin, Texas when the Nowell Farm was recognized by the State of Texas for being in the family over 100 years. In 2013, Billy retired after serving many years with the Harmon Electric Board of Directors. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family.

Survivors include his children: Janice Nowell of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Max and wife Denise Nowell of Quanah, Texas; Anna and husband Wayne Heppard of Canyon, Texas; grandchildren: Katie and husband Travis Saylor of Moore, Oklahoma; and Sandy and husband Heath McAllister of Quanah, Texas; great grandchildren: Tyson, Weston, and Quinton McAllister of Quanah, Texas; and his sister: Yvonne Mesler of Wichita Falls, Texas; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family suggests memorials be made to Quanah Acme & Pacific Railroad Museum or the Thompson Sawyer Public Library.