Douglas Duncan McDowall

Douglas Duncan McDowall, 78, died unexpectedly on August 24, 2025 at his home in North Little Rock. Doug grew up in Roebling, New Jersey and always had an interest in sailing and airplanes. In 1961 he moved to Peoria, Illinois with his family and began his sophomore year at Richwoods High School After graduating from Richwoods, he attended the University of Miami in Florida and crewed for the CEO of Bacardi Rum on his sailing vessel as an undergrad. Upon his graduation from the University of Miami he was in the Army and served his country proudly in Vietnam.

Doug was a private pilot and enjoyed spending time with his many friends of the North Little Rock Airport. He owned a small classic aircraft known as a Luscombe which he kept hangered at that airport. He was a long-time member of the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) where he currently served as Secretary. He was very involved in EAA chapter’s events. His favorite was taking the Plane Train, a kiddie ride built by Doug and his fellow EAA chapter members to various events around the state to give kids rides. Just the day before his passing, Doug had been out to the EAA Chapter Hangar to help with preparations for the monthly breakfast event.

After relocating to Arkansas he married his wife, Judy. Together they shared many wonderful adventures-most recently, an African safari. Doug owned Neighborhood Wine and Spirits in Levy and enjoyed operating it until he retired ten years ago.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Mary B. McDowall of Peoria, Illinois. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Beverly (Bill) Gale of Bloomington, Illinois; and nieces: Kristin (Charlie) Hacker of Bloomington, Illinois, Jill (Todd) Welhoelter of Overland Park, Kansas, and Marni Moore of Columbus, Indiana. He is also survived by a cousin, Gail (Dave) Kochie of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama and many great-nieces and nephews.

A service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.