William Duke McDowell II

William Duke McDowell, II was born in Austin, Texas on Thursday, March 28, 1996 and passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the age of 25 years. Will was full of life and touched people with his smile, sense of fun and energy. The McDowell Family will be receiving friends at 2:00 p.m. prior to the Celebration of Life Service that will begin at 3:00 p.m. at Bannockburn Church, 7100 Brodie Lane, Austin, Texas. Graveside services for the family will precede the Celebration of Life Service.

Will was a son, a big brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a friend, a teammate, a baseball pitcher, a Texas Tech Red Raider, a home builder, an avid skier, a snowmobiler, a golfer, a country music lover, a scooter rider, a pickup truck driver, a member of Phi Delta Theta, Famery’s son, the oldest Cousin Camper, and had a faith in Jesus Christ that will minister far beyond his 25 years on earth.

Will was sentimental; he treasured gifts from family and friends and completely enjoyed time spent together with the people he loved. Will loved Fortenberry Christmas, strawberry cake, sweet potato casserole and really anything his Mama cooked him. He was proud to fly in planes piloted by Grandaddy and his Dad. The love he had for his sister, Lindsey, was like no other and he demonstrated it by big hugs, wrestling, and an occasional poke. He treasured being a cowboy and helping Papaw at County Line and practicing “roping a steer” in front of MeMe. He loved home and signed “I love you” everytime he left “The Drip.” He loved family traditions like Christmas morning scavenger hunts. He believed Mia was the smartest and cutest dog alive. He tolerated self-timers with The Famery. His competitive nature and humble spirit were seen in every aspect of his life.

Will was a great friend and cheered up every room that he entered. He had a knack for joking, poking and lovingly pushing friends' buttons. Together with friends, he hunted rabbits, played basketball and watched football games. The “Squad of Five” will never be the same.

Will began playing baseball at the age of five years old. He lettered all four years at Regents School of Austin achieving first team All-State and MVP his senior year of high school.

He was interested in the stock market and found success in it. In May 2020, he was named Drees Home Builder Rookie of the Year. He won multiple Ace Awards and the coveted Team “Bat” Award. While at Drees, he made an impact on his customers, colleagues and trades. Will had a way of connecting with customers and his above and beyond manner of doing business cannot be reproduced. Will always dreamed of taking over the family business.

He loved the City of Austin, Aspen, the Grand Caymans, and vacations traveling through Europe with his parents, sister and school friends.

Will is survived by parents, Angie and William Duke McDowell of Austin; sister, Lindsey Ann McDowell of Austin; grandparents Danny and Suzie Abell; aunts and uncles, David and Julie Abell, Becky Fortenberry, Retha and John Fortenberry, Cole McDowell, Keith and Marcia Phillips, and Mary Pat Sadlowski; cousins Grace Abell; Eddie Lee, Jessica, Lettie Jo, Lynlee Gayle and Rye Thomas Fortenberry; Grip, Hannah, Samuel Wyatt and William Asher Fortenberry; Trip Fortenberry; Adrianne, Lucas and Lively Gleason; Jennifer, Chad, Grayson, Grant and Laney Golden; Rebecca McDowell; Tyler, Lacy, Tyann, Austin and Amelia Phillips, Cecilie, Karl, Johnny, Hunt and Alys Pfluger; and Sarah and Taylor Van Vuren.

Preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Amelia and Eddie Fortenberry (MeMe and Papaw), his paternal grandparents, Jan and J.C. McDowell (Gran and Grandaddy), and cousin, Joseph “Joe” Coleman McDowell, III.

Everyone who knew Will witnessed his love for people, and his willingness to move in the direction of those who were hurting. To honor her brother, Lindsey is working to establish a school and sports complex in Somaliland, Africa that will impact generations of children. The family welcomes donations to Kingsland Church Missions, 20555 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX, 77450 for the Will McDowell Memorial Fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the McDowell family.