Justin Matthew Dowell

Justin Matthew Dowell went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 6, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Matthew was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father to four beautiful children, a cherished son of Christ, and a steadfast friend to all who knew him. He was a faithful son to his parents, a best friend to his two brothers, an uncle deeply loved by his nieces and nephews, and a warrior until the very end. His unwavering love and dedication to his family will forever be his greatest legacy.

Matthew loved his job as a supervisor at Lambert’s Cable and Splicing. He truly cared for the people he worked with, and they returned that same respect and love to him.

Those who knew Matthew will remember how he always found beauty in life’s simple moments. An avid hunter and fisherman, he loved sharing pictures of the big bass he caught or the huge buck on his deer camera—but more than that, he found fulfillment in passing that love for the outdoors on to his children, nieces, and nephews. To them, he taught more than how to hunt or fish—he taught how to listen, observe, and appreciate the world around them.

The ball field was another place where Matthew’s heart shone. Whether playing softball or coaching baseball, he found joy in every swing, every smile, and every lesson shared. His players—and all who played beside him—felt the light and spirit he brought to every game.

Matthew is survived by his loving wife, Jessica “Jessi” Dowell; his son, Chayton Dowell; and his daughters, Gracie Dowell, Ava Dowell, and Enslea Dowell. He is also survived by his parents, James Dowell and Jackie Bell Dowell; his brothers, Jamie Dowell (Kristen) and Andrew Dowell (Kayla); his grandmother, Shonnie Thompson; uncles John Thompson (Amanda) and Jeff Dowell (Amanda); aunts Lynn Church (Ronnie), Gail Conner, and Peggy Smithey; nieces Addie Dowell, Alia Dowell, and Bridgett Byrd; nephews Abel Dowell, Sawyer Dowell, Gabe Byrd, Rowan Byrd, and Orion Taylor; brothers-in-law Samuel Byrd, Josh Byrd (Sam), and Alex Gwyn; sister-in-law Natalie Gentry; father-in-law Lee Byrd (Vonnie); mother-in-law Tammy Poindexter (Mark Goins); and his best friend, Marty Cheek.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Turner and Jean Bell; his maternal uncle and aunt, Wayne and Lou Shumate; his paternal grandparents, Junior and Patsy Dowell; paternal grandparents, Jerry and Dovie Brewer; Papa John Thompson; Nanny Flossy; Papa Jerry; and Ryan Gwyn.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at the Dowell Residence, 958 Brinegar Hill Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. A visitation will be held prior to the graveside service from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Elkin Funeral Service.

Matthew’s faith, courage, and love will never be forgotten. He now rests in eternal peace, held in the embrace of his Savior, and his spirit will remain with us—guiding, comforting, and living on in our hearts wherever we go.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Austin Ballpark & Community Center, 979 Roaring Gap Church Rd Elkin, NC 28621