Clifton McDowell

Clifton R. “Cliff” McDowell, 59, of Cordele, GA, formerly of Albany, GA, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 2:00pm at Leesburg Cemetery. Rev. Tim Mathews will officiate, followed by Masonic Rites.

Cliff was born on September 29, 1966, in Albany, GA, to the late James D. and Billie L. McDowell. He grew up in Albany, GA, and graduated from Dougherty High School in 1985. Cliff was a firefighter with the Albany Fire Department for many years and was employed with Southern Wholesale Flooring for ten years before his retirement. Cliff moved to Cordele, GA, in 2009.

Cliff was a member and Past Master of Dougherty Lodge # 591 F&AM. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of The Hasan Shriners, and his last appointment was Colonel of The Units. He was also a member of The Peachtree Court #2 of The Order of Amaranth and The Albany Exchange Club.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda McDowell of Cordele, his daughter, Malinda Rachels (Chris) of Worth County, GA, his sisters, Jenene Hamlin (Walt) of Thatcher, AZ, Debra Nichols (Donnie) of Cullman, AL, and Libby Howell, as well as three grandchildren.

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Cliff to Shriners Hospital for Children c/o Hasan Shriners Transportation Fund, 1822 Palmyra Rd., Albany, GA, 31701, or to Georgia Diabetes Research, P.O. Box 1344. Leesburg, GA, 31763.