Alexander Moretz McDowell

On July 6, 2024, we bid farewell to Col (Ret) Alexander Moretz McDowell of Aldie, Virginia.
Born on October 11, 1956, to Virginia Williams McDowell and James Jefferson McDowell in Lancaster South Carolina, Alex graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Kershaw SC, and earned a degree in Operational Management from Clemson University in May 1978. Alex's impact on those who knew him will forever resonate.
Alex loved the outdoors. In his youth, this led him to the Boy Scouts where he was able to explore and grow as a young man. Alex thrived in this environment as he rose to the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in scouting. He often described his trip to the National Jamboree as the ultimate highlight of his participation. This passion extended into his adult life, serving local troops as a leader and mentor, particularly for young men working on the aviation badge. When his son, David, was old enough he took great joy in supporting him in scouting as well from cub scouts to his ascension to Eagle Scout.
Alex's distinguished military career spanned decades, beginning in 1978 attending flight training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. As a C-130 pilot, instructor pilot, squadron commander, group commander, and expeditionary wing commander, he left an indelible mark. His service included participation in numerous military operations during tours at Dyess, Little Rock, Randolph, Leavenworth, Korea, and Pope. He also served on the Joint Staff and later, Staff of the Inspector General at the Pentagon. He attended Squadron Officer School, Air Command College, Army Command and General Staff College, and National War College. Notably, he managed critical roles post-attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, coordinating flights into Afghanistan and leading the first resupply missions into Baghdad in support of combat operations. Alex retired from the Air Force as a Colonel in December 2008 and was the recipient of the Bronze Star as well as the Legion of Merit.
Following his retirement from the USAF, Alex joined the FAA in the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service, where he was selected as a Senior Executive in 2012 and served in roles of increasing responsibility. Alex retired from the FAA on February 29, 2024, after 15 years of service to the flying public. In total, Alex proudly and actively served his country for 45 years.
Alex's love of flying did not end with his retirement from active service. Instead, he joined the ranks of civil aviation. In his single-engine plane, he flew all over. Along with his wife Mary, he visited every Airport in Virginia, Maryland, and his home state of South Carolina. For two decades he provided a vital air taxi service to family and friends for get-togethers, vacations, picking up peaches, or just a day out to see the world.
Alex loved sports, specifically Baseball and Clemson Football. Baseball was a joy he shared with his daughter, Elizabeth. The two made it a tradition to take in a game when they could, from an afternoon minor league game to major league slugfests. He eagerly anticipated every Clemson football season with hopeful optimism and never missed watching a game with Mary.
Eager to teach and always ready to help, Alex never failed to make time to support David and Elizabeth as they moved into adulthood and their own home ownership. They both benefited from his handyman knowledge, learning how to frame out closets, build decks and sheds, and being able to fix the little things that break around a house.
He spent most of his life on the move, between new duty assignments and deployments, but in 2007 he and his wife put down roots in Aldie VA. There they worked together to build a place of joy for the family to gather. Countless family events were hosted here, and endless memories were made. When his grandkids came along, he took great pride in showing them all the projects he was working on and letting them drive the tractors. This was his dream come true.
Alex is survived by his family: his wife of more than 43 years, Mary Collier McDowell; their daughter, Elizabeth Ann McDowell; son, David Alexander McDowell, and his wife, Kelly Roccanti McDowell; and his two grandsons, Hunter William, and Logan Green McDowell; and his loyal dog Clem. Also surviving are his brother Dr. James Jefferson McDowell and his wife Mary Eastin McDowell; sisters-in-laws Ann M. Collier and Amy Collier Gilbert and her husband Mark Gilbert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
While we mourn his physical presence, Alex's spirit lives on in the kindness, leadership, and family love he showed others and the joy he found in ordinary moments. Let us remember him fondly and honor his legacy by continuing to uplift one another.
For those who are inclined, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. or the charity of personal choice.