Jessie Franklin Dowdy

jessie  dowdy

April 1, 1926 ~ September 25, 2020

Born in: Carthage, North Carolina
Resided in: Carthage, North Carolina

Jessie Franklin Dowdy, a loving husband, father of five girls, friend, hard worker and true patriot from the greatest generation passed away peacefully at his home Friday evening, September 25, 2020 at the age of 94 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Carthage on April 1, 1926 he was a son of the late Charlie and Etta Maness Dowdy. As an only son of a farmer Frank was called to serve and protect our country and freedom during WWII. He served in General Patton’s 3rd Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received the American Theater Service Medal, Eame (European–African–Middle Eastern) Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Frank was a true patriot and was very proud of his country.

He raised his girls in Gulf while working for the General Creosoting Company. He also worked in timber and retired from Townsend Poultry Company. In 1984 he and his wife moved back to Carthage where he enjoyed working on his farm and mowing yards for his church and many others in the community.

Frank loved his family and always took time with them. They have many fond memories of times at Lake Waccamaw, Lake Gaston, and in the mountains vacationing even if it may have been a short day trip. He enjoyed traveling and saw many of the national parks and beautiful sights in the United States. He had a passion for water skiing and
was able to ski into his 70’s.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Peggy Lee Dowdy; sister Helen Ritter; grandson Franklin Ross Cheek.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years Bernice Flinchum Dowdy; daughters Debbie Sullivan and husband Mickey, Phyllis Overton and husband Brent, Lynn Meyers and husband Al all of Carthage, Frankie Dowdy Quinn of Whitsett; nephew Gregory Ritter and wife Kinzia of Carthage; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday at Calvary Baptist church conducted by Rev. Todd Moore. Burial will follow with military honors in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service outside the church starting at 1:00. Due to Covid restrictions seating in the church will be limited to 50 people. Additional seating will be available in fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to: Willett Ministries, ℅ Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360 or, FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is serving the Dowdy family.

Online Condolences may be made at PinesFunerals.com

Services

Visitation: September 28, 2020 1:00 pm - March 28, 2024 2:00 pm

Calvary Baptist Church
549 Plank Road
Robbins, NC 27325

910-948-3826

Funeral Service: September 28, 2020 2:00 pm

Calvary Baptist Church
549 Plank Road
Robbins, NC 27325

910-948-3826

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  1. Prayers for Bernice and family. Frank always had a handshake and smile whenever he would see me. It was a pleasure to know him.

  2. Our Prayers for Comfort are lifted up for the family and our Praises of Thanks are lifted to The Lord for such an amazing man who lived life well.

    1 Thes. 4:13-14

    13 Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [[g]in death], that you may not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave].
    14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him through Jesus those who have fallen asleep [[h]in death].

    Love to all ❤️

  3. Phyllis and Brent,
    So sorry for your families loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Love you both
    Donald and Diane

  4. The Dowdys are part of my best childhood memories. Even though Frank may have ended his physical journey on earth, his spirit and love will surround you forever!

  5. Lynn, Al, Philip, and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. We will continue to keep you close in our thoughts and prayers.
    Susan Hoffman and family

  6. What special memories of a kind and gentle man! Debbie, Phyllis, Lynn, Frankie, and Bernice—I love you all. May you find strength in your memories and your love for one another.

  7. Phyllis, I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and your family as you lay your Father to rest until that great resurrection morning when you will be reunited once again.

  8. Phyllis, I love you friend. My heart breaks. I know so well the pain you are feeling. My prayers are with you, Mrs. Dowdy, Debbie, Lynn And Frankie. It Is so hard to look ahead but your Dad gave of his self to family, Country and God. Always remember him with that smile on his face and that he is working on Gods farm.

  9. Bernice,

    The love between you and Frank can never be taken away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls during this time. God is steadfast in holding you in his loving embrace.

  10. May God be with your family through this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and on our hearts. Love in Christ, Randall and Kathy Atkins Johnson

  11. Our sympathy to the Family. It was such a pleasure to have know Mr Dowdy and to have had the opportunity to see him ski at Lake Waccamaw!
    Our love and prayers go out to all of his family❤️

  12. My sincere sympathy to the Dowdy Family, and to my Uncle Greg & Aunt Kinzia Ritter. I know Frank will be missed by all who knew him and cherished his friendship. May each of you experience God’s Blessings during this time and seek Eternal Peace that only God can provide.
    The LeGrand Family
    (Gala & Keith)


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