Eugene Dowling

1932 - 2024

Eugene Dowling

December 4, 1932 - October 22, 2024

BAMBERG -- Funeral services for Eugene Dowling will be held Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Union Baptist Church, 16494 Ehrhardt Road, Bamberg, S.C. Burial with full Military Honors will follow immediately at Bamberg Memory Gardens, Bamberg, S.C. Viewing for the public will be held Thursday between the hours of 1 and 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Eugene Dowling was born December 4, 1932, in Bamberg County, S.C., to the late Deacon Harry Dowling and Deaconess Mamie Lee Grimes Dowling. Eugene attended Voorhees School and Junior College. He then transferred to South Carolina State University. He was a part of the graduating class of 1954, and recently celebrated his 70th class reunion. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957 in Germany.

During his term of service, he met Lena Mae White while she was a teacher in Bamberg, S.C. They later married on June 4, 1960. Eugene and Lena settled in Westbury, N.Y. where they raised four children: Gelene (William Graham) of Westbury, N.Y., Sheryl of Chesterfield, Va., Christopher of Forest Hills, N.Y., and Donna of Summerville, S.C. Before Lena's passing, they had celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Eugene worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. He retired as a General Manager at the John F. Kennedy Airport Air Mail Facility in Queens, N.Y. He was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Westbury, N.Y. He was an active member of the Masonic Temple and Shriners Club in Queens, N.Y.

Once retired, he wore many hats in both New York and South Carolina. He was a brick mason, farmer, butcher, bookkeeper, fisherman, card player, and an unsolicited, unapologetic comedian. After retirement, he left New York and brought his wife Lena back to the family estate in Bamberg, S.C. and built their retirement home. Once settled, they then joined Orange Grove United Methodist Church in Bamberg, S.C., where he served faithfully. Also, he affiliated himself with Bamberg Lodge No. 40., where he served as Worshipful Master.

Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Lena Mae; brothers, Morgan, Willard, Dosco, Alphonso, and Alonzo Dowling.

He is survived by his four children; five grandchildren: Christopher Lacey, Lauryn Graham, Briana Hunter, Zaria Graham, and Adira Graham; his brothers: Thomas and Jeffrey Dowling (Bessie); sisters: Eartha Lee Goodwin, Bessie Green, Constance Ferguson, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Eugene valued his longtime standing friendships and was known to make unannounced visits, lasting from ten minutes to multiple hours. Rest in eternal peace Gene, Pop, Daddy, Buddy, Grandpa, Uncle Gene, Mr. Gene, Mr. Dowling. You will forever be loved and missed.

Friends are invited to visit the residence at 4230 Orange Grove Road, Bamberg, S.C. to extend condolences. Sacred arrangements are entrusted to Dash's Funeral Home of Bamberg. Online condolences may be submitted to www.dashsfh.com.