Obituary of William Lewis Nowlin, Sr.

William "Billy" Lewis Nowlin, Sr., age 85, peacefully passed away on July 24, 2026, at Woodland Hospice House in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, surrounded by his beloved family.

Billy was born on October 15, 1940, in Amigo, West Virginia, to the late Luther Edward Nowlin and Blanch Lewis Nowlin. He was one of eleven children, born and raised in the small coal mining town surrounded by forested mountain ridges and deep river valleys. From an early age, Billy found freedom roaming the mountains, exploring creeks, tracking animals, and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Those formative years sparked a lifelong passion for nature that remained at the heart of who he was. 

In 1955, three years after the passing of his father, Billy and his family moved to Oak Hill, West Virginia. During his teenage years, he developed a love for classic cars, enjoyed the company of friends, and learned the value of hard work. He landed his first job at the local lumber yard and earned extra money unloading boxcars and laying tile. He was committed to his education and graduated from Collins High School in 1957. 

Following graduation, Billy moved to Virginia, where he began working for a large construction company and settled into his first apartment overlooking Virginia Beach. With dreams of becoming a pilot, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve on September 29, 1958. Although he never fulfilled his ambition of flying an aircraft, his military service instilled discipline, adaptability, and leadership qualities that remained with him throughout his life.

In the mid-1960s, Billy moved to Flint, Michigan, where he began his career at General Motors. Soon after, he met Audrey Eloise Poe. The two married and he became a second father to her two children, Sandra and Dean Casteele. In 1968, they welcomed another son, William Nowlin Jr., and ten years later, a daughter, Kristy..

In the early 1980s, Billy and Audrey purchased their first home in Lapeer, Michigan. Soon afterward, they found a small cabin in Mio, nestled near the AuSable River and Huron National Forest. It was a place many family memories were made and a cherished retreat where Billy could enjoy the natural beauty he loved so deeply.

After retiring from General Motors in the mid-1990s, Billy fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a home on 30 beautiful acres in Mio. He spent many of his days hunting, fishing, and exploring dirt roads and trails. He took pride in his yard, enjoyed gardening and family gatherings, and loved visiting the local restaurants, especially for Fish Fry Fridays and Wednesday Steak Nights. 

In 2015, Billy relocated to Midland, Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his life. True to his adventurous spirit, he continued doing the things he loved most…hunting on his own property, taking quiet walks along wooded trails, competitions on the golf course or just simply practicing his swing at home, exploring national parks and preserves, eating his favorite scoop of ice cream, and sitting beside the pond reflecting on life's many blessings. His happiest days were spent beneath an open sky, among the trees, and surrounded by the people he loved. 

Billy will be remembered as a hardworking man of quiet strength, unwavering determination, and deep love for the great outdoors. He was direct, but also kind and principled. He supported the charities he believed in, cared deeply for the environment, stood by his political views, and loved his country. More than anything, he treasured time spent with those he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle who always showed up, supported every milestone, and had unconditional love for those closest to him. His legacy lives on through the memories he created, the values he instilled, and the lives he touched.

Billy is survived by his Ex-Wife, Audrey: Children, Sandra (Mark) Clements , Dean Casteele, William (Kristina) Nowlin Jr. , and Kristy (Kyle) Morrison;  Grandchildren, Mandy (Jason) Baldwin, Heather (Ed) Price, Elizabeth (Nick) Richardson, Jon Clements, Paul Super, Melissa Nowlin, William "Bill" (Ana) Nowlin, Kyle (Monique) Nowlin, Aden Morrison, and Ashton Morrison; Great Grandchildren: Caleb, Braydon, Avery, Lucas, Noah, Elliot, and Charlotte Siblings, Kenneth, John, Robert and Douglas.  Along with many other beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Edward Nowlin and Blanch Lewis Nowlin; Siblings Wanita, Virginia, Dillard, Thomas, James, and Donald

Though Billy has departed this life, the trails he walked, the woods he cherished, and the countless lives he enriched will forever bear the imprint of a life lived with purpose, strength, and love.  To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.