Copyright 2006, BigValleyNews.net
Services for Bieber resident and long time operator of Big Valley Nursery were held at the Foothill Cemetery in Nubieber on May 3, 2006. Floyd Dowell known to most as "Smokey" because he was always seen with a cigar in his mouth, died suddenly on April 26, 2006. He was active till the very end and was walking on Second Street in Bieber in front of his nursery the morning before his death.
Smokey was a popular man and his funeral showed this by the number of people attending. He was a veteran of World War II as a United States Marine and was a California fish and game warden from 1950 to 1980. He was celebrated at the funeral by uniformed California Fish and Game officers who carried his casket to the gravesite. He was also awarded a 21 gun salute by the local VFW.
Smokey was very active in the Big Valley community. He was a member of Big Valley Fire Department's ambulance and rescue crew in the 1960's and 70's. He was a member of the Big Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Pit River Rod and Gun club, as well as being a board member of Big Valley High School. He sponsored and taught hunter safety courses for Big Valley residents and was active in more community activities than can be listed here.
According to friends and family, the nursery will continue to operate. His surviving wife, Ethyl will have 4H members and other friends assist her in keeping the nursery open. The nursery has operated on Second Street in Bieber for 44 years.
The services at the cemetery were followed by a potluck at the Bieber Memorial Hall.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Pit River Rod and Gun Club (Helen Wolters, Box 65, Adin CA 96006) or the Bieber Historical Museum (Box 463, Bieber CA 96009)
Smokey is carried by Fish and Game people.
VFW gives a salute to Smokey
A final salute from Fish and Game officers.
