William Michael "Mike" McDowell, age 70, of Athens died Dec. 27, 2020 at Hickory Creek of Athens.  Born Dec. 29, 1949 in West Chester County, New York, he was the son of the late John L. McDowell and Elizabeth H. McDowell of Rye, NY.

Mike attended public school in Yonkers, NY and graduated from Rye High School and New Rochelle College.  He played guitar and drums in a band which toured the New York and Midwest area in the mid 1970's.  He was active in the Athens arts arena in photography, and recently published his first volume of poetry.  Mike's friends and family member cherish his kindness and droll sense of humor.

Hie is survived by his sister, Ellen M. Ruffin of Minneapolis, MN; six nieces and nephews, Christopher Diebold, Anne Loff-Spanier, Timothy Diebold, and Mollie Diebold all of Minneapolis, MN; and Lloyd Ruffin and Deborah R. Shelton both of Atlanta, GA.  He also leaves several good friends in Athens and in Minneapolis, including his brother-in-law, Terry Diebold.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Susan M. Diebold, and a brother, David J. McDowell.  A memorial service may be held at a later date.  Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.