Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Dee Dowis Obituary
Dowis lived in South Carolina and worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Pfizer, according to the Gazette. He was 48.
Dowis set the NCAA record for career rushing yards for a quarterback with 3,612. He was sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1989, when he was the fifth player in NCAA history to rush and pass for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
Dowis played his high school football at Franklin County in northeast Georgia under coach Jeff Davis. Dowis was not an all-state player in high school and was lightly recruited, arriving at Air Force at only 150 pounds.
Read more on AJC.com
Memories and Condolences
for Dee Dowis
39 Entries
Bob and Diane Vozzola
December 31, 2016
Tracie,
We just heard the news about Dee while watching the Air Force Football bowl game today. We remember our time as neighbors in Florida with great fondness, especially the times when you came over to the house to visit. We are so sorry and send prayers for you and your family. Dee was such an awesome person, so kind and positive.
Bob and Diane Vozzola
Darline Horner
December 1, 2016
I remember Dee as a cadet that came to the Cadet Graphics office while I was assistant manager there. He was a wonderful young man, and so very kind. We chatted many times and he impressed me with his manners, decency, knowledge and humility. He was quite a well known cadet at the Academy, never letting his prowess inflate his ego. I pray for all those that loved him and know God has him in His loving arms. I will miss knowing he is here on earth, but know he is in a better place. Darline (Dee) Horner
Michael Milan
October 16, 2016
I just found out about your passing, I remember our phone conversations when I was in high school and you were at the academy. You were my favorite quarterback of all time and always will be. My condolences to the family. May God strengthen you in the absence of this great man. He will never be forgotten.
Bill Perrett
September 12, 2016
Tracie, we grieve with you over your great loss. We had the privilege of knowing Dee while he was at the Academy.
Pat & Aimée Evans
September 5, 2016
Tracie,
You are very special to us, and we grieve with you. Dee was an amazing Falcon and even a better example of a Godly husband, father, and friend. Both of you have been an inspiration to us through the years. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time.
September 3, 2016
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's promises for our lost loved ones.
Richard and Judy Fogg
September 2, 2016
Tracie, we are praying for you and your family.
Xanna Ehrlich
September 2, 2016
I saved newspaper articles about Dee and all his accomplishments during his football years and was able to give them to his Mother. My husband and I so enjoyed watching his capabilities pour forth at the AFA football games. What talent! God bless you and may He surround your family with comfort.
Julie Kruse
September 2, 2016
As a USAFA '90 grad I was saddened to learn of Dee's death. We're all inexplicably linked by our time at that place. There will never be another Dee. He WAS the bell curve! Prayers for his friends and family.
Tom Lokey
September 2, 2016
With sincere sympathy for Dee's family. I was the Liaison Officer Commander for Georgia when he was recruited to play football, and I recall several conversations with him during my many visits to USAFA. The world is a better place for having had him among us, and a bit darker with his passing. GBA.
September 2, 2016
For the Dowis family, I offer my thoughts and prayers. Dee was one of the finest men I've ever known. He was humble, compassionate, and his smile would light up the room. I will miss him greatly.
Jeffrey K. Smith M.D.
Cecilia Burtnett
September 2, 2016
So very sorry. He was an informal mentor to my son at USAFA. I appreciate all he did for him and for countless others.
Cecilia Burtnett
Tim Swett
September 1, 2016
I had the honor of rooming with Dee the summer before our senior year. In that brief time, I got to know him as a humble, friendly young man with a great sense of humor and a big heart. I still carry many great memories, not only of his amazing feats on the football field, but of the joy I had getting to know him, if only a little, that summer. My prayers go out to his family. I was blessed to cross paths with Dee and look forward to seeing him again in Heaven. He made a great impact on this world.
Tim Swett (USAFA '90)
Waldo Waldman
September 1, 2016
Dee - thanks for the memories in Sq 36 as a Doolie, I loved the times we we all spent in my room talking about home, our families, and life. You will always be an inspiration to all who knew you, and will be missed. All my love to your family in this tough time. Fly high.
Richie Dove
September 1, 2016
SO SORRY I PLAYED LL BALL WITH DEE GREAT GUY condolences
Chuck & Debbie Binford
September 1, 2016
We just wanted to say thanks for the wonderful memories of watching you play at Air Force and the positive role model you were to our son. By watching you and reading about you, he saw how a man conducts himself. Because of role models like you, he is a wonderful son, husband, father, and friend. May the Lord bless your family and friends and grant them peace.
Cathy Johlfs (McDermott)
September 1, 2016
Tracie, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so very sorry. Hugs and love after all these years since working in hand therapy together. I still think of you often and with such admiration and fondness.
September 1, 2016
We are Lindsey Lopez's grandparents and we wanted you to know that this is hard for all the young girls in your daughters group. We did not know him but we feel very close to him.
Praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that he eternity is secured. Knowing he was a
Christian is powerful for those who don't. May
God bless you beyond belief as you walk through
this day by day. We will be praying for your family.
Dee and Grant, Oct '13
Bill McLendon
September 1, 2016
Oct '13 in the Cirrus with Grant
Bill McLendon
September 1, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Dowis family. We just had lunch a few weeks ago and Dee told me how proud he was of his wonderful children. The world is a better place because of Dee, and I am lucky to have had him as a friend. Bill McLendon, USAFA '81
Aaron Prupas
September 1, 2016
Here's a toast ...
My prayers and condolences. A fantastic leader and an inspiration to many he never even knew.
John Hall
September 1, 2016
USAFA Class of 1990 classmate. I had one or two classes with Dee; possibly the nicest guy you could ever meet!
An amazing athlete and person, he will be missed. Here's a toast...
Charles Lee
September 1, 2016
I was a USAFA classmate of Dee's, and though I didn't know him well, the few times we did talk he made me feel like his best friend. God bless him and his family.
September 1, 2016
Sad loss at too early an age of an AFA and college football great!
He gave great pleasure to all watching him play.
I last saw him at Liberty Bowl, 1989 vs. Mississippi in the freezing cold.
His season opening 250 yd rushing game put him on the national stage and # 6 lived up to his fame!
Great loss too soon to his nuclear family and his Air Force Family!
Frederic N.Halstrom. Boston,Mass
AFA 1963-1965. Sq.14.
Keith Wesley
September 1, 2016
Condolences to the Dowis family from a USAFA classmate.
Doug Thompson
September 1, 2016
Dee - you proved to so many that it was never the size of the man that mattered, but the size of the fight in the man. Thank you for being a friend. Thank you for so many great memories at the Academy, both on and off the field. Thank you for your humble nature. You had an incredible way of never letting anything change who you were. Not media and press attention. Nothing. You remained the same person no matter what happened, and that left an indelible impression on me that has lasted to this day.
I was saddened to hear that you had moved on from us. I pray for comfort for your family during this time.
Blue skies and fair winds my friend until we meet again one day.
Here's a toast..........
Tony Pierce
September 1, 2016
As a member of the Air Force Football Family, (son Jordan was starting LB in 2014) I live and die AFA Football. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Please keep his wife and children in prayer. God bless you Dee.......
Nancy Cheney
September 1, 2016
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will miss Dee Dowis. He was a dedicated partner in helping to lessen the burden of cancer on our South Carolina citizens. Dee cared deeply about access to care and quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Dee was an optimist. He always had a smile on his face and truly was at his best the years that we have had the privilege of working with him. He always spoke so proudly of Tracie, Maddie and Grant and beamed as he shared his love for you. I wish you comfort in pleasant memories and may Heavenly Father's choicest blessings be with you.
Fondly, Nancy Cheney
Gary Bragg
September 1, 2016
To the greatest friend a person could ask for. Thanks for all you did for me. Well done thy good and faithful servant of Christ. Prayers to all the family, friends and classmates.
Ron Hartley
August 31, 2016
I'm a college football fanatic and Dee was one of the reasons. He also inspired me to play QB and our offense was the triple option. I switched position from running back and he was the reason. When I read the news this morning tears feeled up my eyes. I never met Dee but to me he was one of the greatest college QB's EVER. R.I.P 6
Beau Evans
August 31, 2016
Dee Was my colleague and although I did not work with him frequently he made a lasting impression. I remember him to to be a humble upstanding man that displayed an infectious attitude that made you feel better about yourself when you were around him. Having lost my father very early I have prayed (and will continue to pray) for his children, wife, and family.
Ann DOWIS
August 31, 2016
You made us all proud Dee! Love you always.
Karen Norris
August 31, 2016
Prayers for your family
Brian Reder
August 31, 2016
Prayers and condolences to the Dowis family. I hope they might take some comfort in knowing that Dee was a joy to watch and an inspiration to this observer. May God be with you.
Debra ausburn
August 31, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this tragedy. He always had a smile on his face. I will miss him coming in Brashier Polk Cleaners
August 31, 2016
My condolences to Dee Dowis family and friends. May the God of comfort give u strength and comfort during this difficult times
Gene and Sheran Senn
August 31, 2016
We were so saddened to learn of Dees sudden death. Dee and Steven created some great memories for all of us both on and off the field. Our prayers are for the family in this time of sorrow. Dee is with the Lord now...calling plays from heaven. May God comfort you during the coming months. God bless.
Gene and Sheran Senn
Parents of Steve Senn
Ken Hatfield
August 31, 2016
A great leader who lived for others - Thank you Dee for being a leader by example. The memories you created will bring joy to so many. So proud that you are an Air Force Academy Man.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Dee Dowis's name
How to support Dee's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dee Dowis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more