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William Dowdy Obituary
Battle Creek
William "Bill" Dowdy, 84, died Friday, May 12, 2017.
Mr. Dowdy, son of the late Walter L. Ane Ora Lee Dowdy, was born August 15, 1932, in Osceola, Arkansas, and moved with his family to Benton Harbor, Michigan. He graduated from the Public Schools. While in high school he and some friends formed a group named 'Club 49 Trio", after preforming in the high school follies, they landed a thirty minute spot every Saturday on a local radio station. He later played with the Rupert Harris Band.
He served in the United States Army and received an Honorable Discharge in 1954. He studied music at Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois and Knapp's School of Percussion. He was the drummer for The Three Sounds, they recorded more than ten albums. They played with, Lest Young, Lou Donaldson, Nat Adderley, Johnny Griffin, Anita O'Day, Sonny Stitt and other jazz musicians. The group recorded for Riverside Records before signing an exclusive contract with Blue Note in New York. He came to Battle Creek in 1966, was employed by Grinnells Music Store and Farrow's Music, before opening Bill Dowdy Music Enterprises in 1969.
"Bill" was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a musician. In the community, he served on the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce Board, Battle Creek Symphony Board and was a Charter Member of Battle Creek Unlimited. He was Past President of the Downtown Development Association and Past President of Calhoun County Black Business and Professional Association.
Survivors include daughters, Beverly Dowdy and Billyne Dowdy both of Battle Creek, brothers, Walter (Roberta) Dowdy, Huntington, Tennessee, Joe (Mattie) Dowdy, Elkton, Maryland, sisters, Vivian Robbins, Della Roberts, Cecelia Taggart all of Battle Creek, Ora Rhodes, Abbie Gray both of Benton Harbor, grandchildren, Khiry I. Dowdy, Jamayl J. Dowdy. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Beatrice Dowdy and sister, Rosie Wright.
The family will receive friends, 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017, Second Missionary Baptist Church. Services 12:00 p.m., Pastor William Wyne, Officiating.
Arrangements, T M Hughes-Perry Mortuary, LLC
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Dowdy
Sponsored by TM Hughes-Perry Mortuary.
Josephine Smith
May 14, 2019
Still praying for the family and remembering Bill.
B W
December 17, 2017
I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Dowdy's passing. At 3-years old, I was given a Baritone Ukulele with his nameplate inside. I still play it!
His life touched many. Thank you.
Pretty Black BB as he gave me this name.
ERNESTINE ARMS
May 25, 2017
I'm very sorry for the loss of my dear friend and prayers are for the family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
steven lewis
May 22, 2017
A very good friend with a smile that would light-up the daytime. R.I.P. my friend!
Ric Hall
May 22, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the Dowdy family for their loss. As a young musician, I often haunted Bill's music store where I could explore not just the bass fiddle and cello I could already play, but the drums and keyboards I learned to play as well along with other instruments at his encouragement. When I was old enough, I delighted listening to he and Bobby Parker play together at the club on Main St. and having the opportunity to chat with both as often as possible. Rest with Christ, Bill... and hopefully we'll get the chance to play a few sets together in Heaven's band.
Josephine Smith
May 21, 2017
The family have our sincere sympathy during this transitional time. Your friends in Benton Harbor is praying for you. God bless you. Bill will be missed by all of us here in Benton Harbor.
Gary Byrd
May 21, 2017
Bill will be missed.
Rita DeVore
May 21, 2017
To my friends and family of Bill. I'm so sorry to see the passing of your father. He was a staple in the community and it was an honor to have known him. I know you will miss him. My love to you all.
Rita DeVore
Nancy Markos-Vitale
May 20, 2017
I didn't know your dad personally but I do remember the contribution he made to his community.
I remember when he opened his store in Battle Creek.
May the God of peace give you comfort in the days a head.
Sincerely,
Cindy Roddy
May 20, 2017
Peace and Prayers to you both and all of the family.A great man who will be missed by many..
Angie DeFoe
May 19, 2017
This candle is lit in behalf of Ora, Abbie, Cecelia and the Dowdy Family....May Your Memories and Love for Bill Remain Forever in Your Mind and Heart. I BESTOW my PRAYERS, BLESSINGS and CONDOLENCES to YOU and YOUR FAMILY. Straight from the heart......Love You!!!
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