Bobby Eugene "Bob" Dowdy

Bobby Eugene “Bob” Dowdy, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on June 18, 2020. 

Born April 17, 1934, Bob was the son of the late Deward and Bertha (Timms) Dowdy.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Wanda Rail Dowdy; daughter, Andrea Kaye Dowdy of Atlanta, and son and daughter in law, Mark and Michelle Dowdy of Gainesville; grandchildren and spouses Kevin and Tori Cerbone of Dallas, Georgia, Jeremy and Caroline Lemon of Acworth, Graham Dowdy and Macy Dowdy of Gainesville; two great grandchildren, Cadence Lemon, and Leon Cerbone; sister Nelle Spruill of Norcross, and many nieces and nephews. 

Bob was born in Flowery Branch, Georgia, the youngest of nine siblings.  He graduated from Buford High School and Perry Business School.  He served in the Army Civilian Secret Service detachment in Washington, D.C., and Turkey.  An integral figure in assisting the late James Mathis in beginning Home Federal Savings and Loan, he worked at Home Federal in various positions for 35 years.  In his retirement, he served as the director of the Northeast Georgia History Museum for 5 years.  When presented with a new opportunity to work in the financial world again, he joined the team at Merrill Lynch with long- time friend, the late Leonard Colvin for 18 years, having just retired for the second time in August 2019.  Bob was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Gainesville and was one of the founders of the Friendship Sunday School class, teaching the class for over 30 years.  He also served as a deacon and on various committees at First Baptist Church through the years.  He loved the city of Gainesville and was very civic minded, serving on the housing authority board, among others, and in this capacity was instrumental in helping the late Gene Beckstein to fulfill his vision of Good News at Noon.  He served on the Gainesville High School Christian Education Board of Directors for many years.  

Bob had a great love for Christmas and special holidays with family.  He will be greatly missed but his memory will live on in those whose lives he touched. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 20, from 10-11AM at Little Davenport, with a graveside memorial service immediately following at Alta Vista Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church, Music Ministry, or the charity of one’s choice. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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