Dan Harold McDowell Sr.

Dan Harold McDowell, Sr, 91, also known as “Granddaddy” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away on November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Dan was born in DeKalb County, Tennessee, on April 9, 1934, to parents, Toy and Edna (Lawrence) McDowell.

Dan retired from Steiner-Liff in 1998 after 30 plus years. He also served in the U.S. ARMY from 1956 to 1958 stationed in Germany. Dan was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and spent most of his life helping other people in so many ways. He was known by all who knew him as loving and sweet, and he never seemed to meet a stranger. He found his great joy in simple, meaningful pastimes—casting a line on a quiet day, cheering on NASCAR, watching the Tennessee Titans, and tinkering with antique cars. A true outdoorsman, he loved the steady rhythm of life on the farm. Whether he was driving his tractor, mowing or tending to cattle, the land brought him a sense of peace and purpose. Of all his interests, his priority was his family… and he LOVED his grandchildren and great-great-children.

Dan is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Kelley McDowell; parents, Toy and Edna (Lawrence) McDowell; his son, Clarence A. (Petey) Tawater, III; his granddaughter, Sarah Kelley McDowell; brothers, Louie McDowell; and Toy McDowell, Jr.; and sister, Inez McDowell Driver.

Dan is survived by daughter, Trish Polman (Kurt Mohr); daughter, Susan McDowell Taylor (Bill); son, Dan McDowell, Jr. (Debi); granddaughters, Kelly Neyland (Dave); Taylor Blackman; Savannah Cordle-Craig (Tyler); grandsons, Matthew Polman; Jason Polman (Cassidy); Wesley McDowell (Sarah); Jacob McDowell; Brooks Taylor (Kayla); great-grandchildren, Elise Polman; Jackson Neyland; Andrew Neyland; Halina Cordle-Craig; Gray Cordle Craig; Jack Fisher McDowell; Bobbie Leigh McDowell; brother, Isacc McDowell; and his precious dog, Mickey.

There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park from 11:00am to 1:00pm. A Celebration of Life will follow in the chapel at 1:00pm. Mr. McDowell will be entombed in his final resting place in the mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Park immediately following the Celebration of Life.

The family would like to express special thanks and appreciation to the staff at NHC Place at The Trace, where Dan was affectionately known as “Dan the Man” by residents and staff alike. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Caris Hospice or The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, links to donate may be found below.