Donnie McDowell

1946 - 2026

Donald Irvin McDowell. husband of Rhonda Vaughn McDowell for 54 years, died Sunday, February 8, 2026, at his home in Ninety Six.

Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Royce Irvin McDowell and Myrtle Attaway McDowell. Donnie graduated from Ninety Six High School, Palmer Junior College, and Piedmont Technical College. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, he returned to Greenwood and was employed by Abney Mills and retired from the Greenwood CPW Lake Water Plant. Following his retirement, he worked part time at Tractor Supply in Greenwood. Donnie was a lifelong member of Temple Baptist Church and served as a church trustee and deacon. He was a past commander of American Legion Post 103. His passion involved street rod cars, having restored many cars over his lifetime. He belonged to the Greenwood Rock N Roll Cruisers.

Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are a son, Scott Ivan McDowell (Allyson) of Simpsonville; a daughter Blair McDowell Patterson (Jeb) of Ninety Six; grandchildren Bennett Alexander McDowell, Noah Parks McDowell, Graylen Vaughn Patterson, Evans Kate Patterson, and McDowell "Mac" Ann Patterson; a sister, Debra Ann McDowell of Ninety Six; father-in-law, Alton Vaughn; and sisters-in law, Valerie Vaughn Smith and Patricia Vaughn Goodman (Gene), all of Ninety Six.

He was predeceased by an infant brother, Stanley McDowell; and mother-in-law, Mirin Vaughn.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Kelvin Hinson officiating. Burial will be private at Elmwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

The family is at the home.

Memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church 95 Saluda Street, Ninety Six, SC 29666.

Harley Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.