Donald Dowdy

Dowdy, Donald Rudolph, 88, of Christiansburg, VA, passed away from this life and entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam (Poppie) and Sarah Inez Jones Dowdy; former wife, Nettie Young Dowdy; eight brothers and sisters. He was an Army Veteran of World War II, having landed at Normandy and fighting all the way inside Russia. Later, he was employed by Burlington Industries and Holiday Ford. As a long-time member of Park United Methodist Church, he was instrumental in the building of the present church. He presently attended East Radford Church of God in Radford. Having never met a stranger, he made many friends who loved him dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Graham Dowdy; daughters, Bonnie D. Harris and Carolyn D. Walters and her husband, Fred all of Christiansburg. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Jennifer C. Schutte, of Riner, VA, Kevin D. Crowe and wife, Shelia, of Riner, VA, Amy L. Harris, of Roanoke, VA, Eric N. Harris, of Christiansburg, VA; great-grandchild, Jarrett K. Schutte, of Riner, VA; 4 step-daughters; 6 step-grandchildren; special friends, Bill Crowe, John Schutte, Tony Huddleston, Brodyn Huddleston, and Chris Barker; caretaker, Rev. Brian Mitchell.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Horne Funeral Home on Friday, May 21, 2010. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 366, Christiansburg, VA 24068.