Lemuel Wallace Dowdy Sr.

Dowdy, Sr., Lemuel Wallace

Attorney Lemuel Wallace Dowdy, Sr. (affectionately known as Lem), transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, July 31, 2022. He was the son of the late Lewis C. Dowdy, Sr. and Elizabeth Smith Dowdy of Greensboro, NC.

Lemuel had an illustrious life and career. He graduated from Dudley High School, Greensboro, NC and was inducted into the Dudley Hall of Fame, of which he was so proud. Lemuel continued his education at Howard University where he majored in political science and joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He earned his B.A. degree in 1967, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army while at Howard University.

Lemuel began his professional career at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) while attending law school at Howard. After earning his law degree, Lemuel was called to active duty and was assigned to a Judge Advocate General Corp unit. He spent a portion of his military service in Southeast Asia and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service. Captain Dowdy was separated from the military in 1972 and returned to the FTC as a staff attorney until his retirement in 2015.

His extended professional career blossomed. In 1985, he was inducted into the Beta Mu Boulé of the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity in suburban Maryland. He spent time as a member of the Beta Nu Boulé in Northern Virginia (2004-2016) and joined the Beta Epsilon Boulé in Greensboro in 2018. Lemuel was also a 33rd degree Mason, and a member of the Southern Pines, NC Rotary Club. Through his work with organizations and his natural disposition, Lem mentored young men, advised many and offered moral support and assistance to family, friends and community in numerous ways.

Lemuel retired to the sandhills of North Carolina with his wife Cynthia Robinson Dowdy of 26 years in May 2016. He immediately became involved with community service. He was garnered and asked by the town's mayor, the Honorable Carol Haney, to join the Southern Pines Rotary Club where he was acknowledged and awarded the Rotarian President's Award during his first year of service. This obituary does not cover the many other initiatives and work through which Lemuel Dowdy served and achieved.

Lemuel leaves behind his wife, Cynthia Robinson Dowdy; son, Lemuel Dowdy, Jr. of Maryland; grandson, Jordan D. Dowdy of Maryland; brother, Lewis C. Dowdy, Jr. (Patricia) of Charlotte, NC; sister, Elizabeth Dowdy King of Greensboro, NC; nieces, Donna Dowdy Barnes, Sherron Dowdy Ledbetter and Maria E. King; nephew, Jordan L. King; great-nieces, Dejoire M. Barnes and Kerrington S. Ledbetter; sister-in-law, Phyllis Robinson Mickle and brother-in-law, Curtis A. Robinson, Jr., both of Connecticut. Also, Lemuel is survived by numerous cousins, extended family and friends. A private service and family burial are scheduled for September.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholars Enrichment Program at NC A&T. Please make checks payable to NC A&T Foundation, Inc., and write "Dowdy Scholars Program" on the memo line. Mail donations to Advanced Operations, Dowdy Building, 4th Floor, Suite 400, 1601 E Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411. For information and assistance with online donations, please call the Advancement Operations Office at 336-334-7600; or donations for Dudley High may be sent to Community Foundation of Greensboro Dudley Legacy Fund, 301 North Elm Street, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27401.