Robert Dowdy Obituary

Robert Dennis Dowdy CHARLOTTE - Robert Dennis Dowdy of Charlotte, NC was born in Jamestown, North Carolina on May 22nd, 1942, and passed away on July 27th, 2019. He fought an epic battle against lung cancer and is an inspiration to many through his positivity and drive to maintain his zest for life till the end. His accomplishments are many. He served in the Navy after graduating from East Mecklenburg High School in 1960. Although he did many things ranging from insurance salesman to popsicle salesman, he is most remembered for his contribution to Charlotte's restaurant scene. He started many successful and much-loved concepts such as The White Horse, The Swayback Mare, and Dowdy's Brown Derby. For the last few decades he lead National Restaurant Properties who assist people in buying and selling restaurants. He is survived by his daughter Patty Dowdy and his beloved grandchildren Riley and Lucy of Charlotte, North Carolina, his nephew Chris Brown of Solvang, California, and all the agents and franchisees in the NRP network who he adopted as his family. He touched many and his memory will last forever. His service will be held at 820 at 820 Hamilton Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28206 on August 2nd, 2019, all are welcome from 4 to 7 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer from Jul. 31 to Aug. 1, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dowdy

13 Entries

Jim Burch

March 9, 2024

Bob...we knew each other over 50 years...I hadn't seen you since the pandemic and I'm sorry you passed away. You were my friend and mentor. Jim Burch

Rick Worley

May 2, 2023

Today remembering Bob for some reason? I first met him about 1975 I used to skip class when I went to Piedmont community college and go have lunch and a beer or 2 ... this is where I first met Bob and and became fascinated with him and the White Horse, Bob and the restaurant business. Still in the business after 45 years and still think of Bob and what he taught me!! RIP BOB!!!

Jay Jawad Hamdouch

July 29, 2022

Dear little Patty,
I've hold you in my arms coming back from the hospital toward the cottage on the lake where Bob, Patty and the 2 dogs used to live...
We drove the little beaten green/gray compact Honda Civic when you were just born, back in the late 70s early 80s.
Bob and I were roomates , met at Cornell university in up state NY , in 1978. A year later we opened up The Derby Brown Restaurant...
It was a big successe story.
My French half and knowledge of European Cuisine and service, plus your dad Zest personality and great humor were an Asset in a Dry State and a town then.
I would love to see you, and see your kids and your mom.
Please write me a note at my email box. [email protected]
Am a Dr. And at the present time am in Africa on an assignment...
I'll be to Florida by the end of the year.
Love all Jawad

Jawad

September 23, 2019

PS: " it was Kaki restaurant " not kali.
The minute we were seated , Bob , Patty and I , we've in the news
that Jonh Lennon was just shot in front of his mansion "Dakota" in NYC.
8 pm on December 8 1980.
You grandma baby seated you that night.
Also, we SIX ; Bob , Patty , myself, you and the 2 Labradors.
we celebrated your First birthday at the house by the lake.
Bob rubbed your tiny feet with melted chocolate and printed them on your
first birthday card...
We had a lot of fun that night.

Again, I haven't been in touch for 39 years. But you dear dad crosses my
mind once in a while and when this happens, I see his JOVIAL, LOVEABLE and
CHARISMATIC FACE and I smile.

Consider me your uncle , please.

NB: If your uncle Richard is still around, please say Hi

September 20, 2019

Dear Patty wife and Patty daughter.
My name is Jawad Hamdouch.
Bob and I we met in Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. back in the 70s.
He was my roomate, my classmate, my best friend/ Bro, and partner in the Derby Brown which we turn to Casablanca restaurant in 1980.
I was staying with your dad and your mom in the cottage by the lake with the 2 Labradors. You were just born then...
The last time I saw Bob and Patty was at the Kali restaurant , the night John Lennon was shot.

I always thought of Bob all these past years.
He was one of the kind, a unique human being.
Extravagant, exuberant and the funniest guy I ever met in my life. He was my dear friend.
Watch this Patty , What am gonna tell you it's just a bogling mind . Few minutes ago I was sitting in my study ( am a Doctor and guest professor touring the world ) and Bob crosses my mind. Put my book down, grabbed PC and googled Dow Your beloved husband and dearest Dad.
Result ... am stunned , shocked and still can't realise it the passing of my dear Bob.
Am sure he will remembered so dearly.
He represented the Suth and people of the South.
His accent and his laughter were unique and one of the kind.
Am very sad but confident that he will rest in Peace up there.God has always Loved him and he will be him where he is now.
Rest in peace my bother.
I love you
Jawad.
Please Patty mom/ daughter
Write back to me and please tell me how I can be of any help.
My email is [email protected]
My phone in the US is 321 1929 666
My phone in Africa where am at the present time on Job assignment is + 212 631 980 252 cell
Practice + 212 522 204 75

brenda smith

August 7, 2019

what a great time we use to have at the White Horse with Bob, my friend Marsha and I. truly a fine man he was

August 4, 2019

Patty,
I am thinking of you at this time. Your father was truly a one of a kind and I treasure the times we spent together. I will miss him.
Jim Mahan

August 3, 2019

I just found out that your dad has passed away.I really enjoyed the lunch that Sandra and I had with you and your dad a couple of years ago. So very sorry. Faye Roberts. (cousins)

Terri Scarborough

August 1, 2019

What a wonderful person heaven is getting. Praying for the families hearts to heal. A lot of great memories with Bob

Sandra Goldsby

July 31, 2019

Patty, I'm in California and just heard from Bill Foster about your dad. I'm so sorry to hear. I loved him and will miss being able to call and chat.
Love
From Dennis' first cousin, Sandra

Ralph

July 31, 2019

The last thing Bob told me before I bought my restaurant from him was "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die." Also" Many are called, few are chosen." I'm sure Bob will be Chosen.
RIP

Donnie Frank

July 31, 2019

Bob you were one of a kind genius RIP

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results