Tyre James “T.J.” McDowell, was 90-years old when he passed surrounded by loved ones on April 25, 2022. His family called him Big T.J., Captain J, Dad, Pops, and Papa. He was born Frank Smith on August 25, 1931, in Centerville, Mississippi to Ella Smith and Ancil Packnett, Sr. He was raised by William and Bessie McDowell as part of their family. They gave him the name Tyre James McDowell. Throughout his life, he went by Tyre James McDowell until discovering in 2015, that he was still officially Frank Smith. He had his name legally changed to Tyre James McDowell in Lancaster County, Nebraska on December 16, 2015.
T.J. worked for 40+years at Lincoln Steel which later became Paxton and Vierling Steel Company. After a brief retirement from Paxton and Vierling, he went to work for Daws Trucking out of Milford, Nebraska. When he could no longer drive an 18-wheeler he got a job with Menards where he loved working for another 10+ years until a global pandemic in 2020 forced him unwillingly into retirement at the age of 88.
He was known for his huge hands, big laugh, strong work ethic, suspenders, and love of his family and friends. He loved to go for long car rides, watch the news, cheer on the Huskers, tell stories and laugh at family gatherings.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debbie (Hughes); Sons Tyre James “T.J.” McDowell, Jr. (Angie) and Clarence “Bookie” McDowell (Crystal); Daughter-In-Law Becky; Brother William McDowell, Jr. (Izetta); Grandchildren Tyana, Jordan, and Mason; Great Grandchildren Lucia, Julian, and Amelia; numerous other extended and adopted family members.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 3:30pm Saturday April 30, 2022 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences to www.lincolnfh.com.
