Dr. Heywood A. Dowling

DOWLING Dr. Heywood A. Dowling, 87, died peacefully at his Mandarin home, 2620 Heybe Dowling Court, on Sunday evening, January 26. Born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1915, Dr. Dowling excelled in sports as a young man and was awarded a football scholarship to Wake Forest where he earned his pre-medical degree. Following his graduation from the Georgia College of Podiatry, he enjoyed a distinguished 57 year practice in Jacksonville and served several terms on the Florida Board of Podiatry Examiners. Well-known in Jacksonville for his community service, Dr. Dowling was instrumental in forming the Duval County Mosquito Control District where he served as Board Chairman. In addition, his initiative lead to the formation of the Duval County Taxpayers Association which was responsible for the reaccreditation of all Duval County High Schools. His crowning achievement, however, was in the early 50s when he worked tirelessly to create Educational Television Channel 7, currently known as WJCT Public Television. Until recently, Dr. Dowling served actively as Chairman Emeritus providing valuable advice to the Channel 7 staff on a variety of subjects. He was active in the Switzerland Community Church where he served as a choir member and musician. Survivors include Dr. Dowlings wife, Janelle Dowling, daughters Patsy Whitman and Cathy Liles of Jacksonville, sons Pete Dowling of Atlantic Beach and Jody Dowling of Atlanta , Ga. Memorial services will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, January 29th, at hte Switzerland Community Church, 3179 SR 13 North, Jacksonville, followed by interment at Mandarin Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made either to Florida Hospice or the Switzerland Community Church. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Mandarin Funeral Home. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com