He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 19, 1931, son of the late Robert Harley Dowdy and Eva Mae Vandiford Dowdy. His wife of 57 years, Ardith Evelyn Dowdy and his son, William W. “Billy” Dowdy, Jr., preceded him in death.
Known by his friends and family as Wilbur, he was a man of few words. He respected hard work, valued nature and the outdoors, and cherished his family, especially his wife of 57 years, Evelyn, whom he loved deeply and missed immeasurably.
Surviving are two daughters, Geneva Marie Dowdy of Castle Hayne, NC, and Samantha Dowdy Barwick and husband, Keith of LaGrange, NC; grandchildren, Jessie Wayne Sullivan, Phalon Taylor Padfield and husband, Taylor Robert Janowiak, and William Seth “Liam” Barwick; great-grandchildren, Derek Taylor Janowiak and Ellison Ruth Barwick; and a sister, Virginia Hall.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Greenlawn Memorial Park with Pastor J.D. Herchenhahn offificating.
