Bobby Dowdy

Bobby Gene Dowdy BRISTOL, Tenn. Bobby Gene Dowdy, 77, died on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born on July 19, 1932, to the late Ray and Betty Dowdy of Aurora, Ky. Mr. Dowdy graduated from Murray High School, Murray, Ky., and the University of Kentucky with a degree in engineering. He was employed with the Raytheon Company for 35 years and retired in 1991. At Raytheon, he had assignments on the Sparrow, Hawk, and Sidewinder systems. He was program manager for the Skyguard/ Sparrow Program. Since his retirement, Mr. Dowdy concentrated on farming. Most recently, he had been a part of the Johnson City Farmer's Market. He also grew and sold produce from his own garden and market, the Overmountain Market on Cherokee Road in Johnson City, Tenn. His love of farming and growing produce dates back to his early days in western Kentucky. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, woodworking, genealogy and family gatherings. He was a member of Euclid Avenue Baptist Church in Bristol Virginia since 1956. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Donald Dowdy of Dexter, Ky. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Peggy Dowdy; three children and their spouses, Bradley and Jayne Dowdy of Blowing Rock, N.C., David and Gayla Seale of Knoxville, Tenn.,and Philip and Leia Blevins of Jonesborough, Tenn.; his seven grandchildren who brought joy to his life are Drew and Rebecca Dowdy, Anthony, Amanda, and Laura Seale, and Tyler and Tanner Blevins; his sister-in-law, Daytha Dowdy of Benton, Ky.; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ralph and Janice Hensley of Jonesborough; nephews, Craig Dowdy and Alex Dowdy; and nieces, LaDon Travis and Jill Swain. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 Friday evening, Nov. 27, 2009, in the chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow with Dr. Bob Jones officiating. The committal service and interment will be held at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, Nov. 28, 2009, in Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Euclid Avenue Baptist Church, Food Pantry Ministry, 900 Euclid Ave, Bristol, VA 24201. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.oakley-cook.com Mr. Dowdy and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home.