Stephen Anthony Dowd September 9, 1954 – November 29, 2024 Stephen Anthony Dowd (70) passed away peacefully at the home he built for his family the evening of Friday, November 29, 2024 after a long battle with cancer, with his family and friends by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Lucille Dowd, his first wife, Linda Spillards Dowd, and Brother Infant Jimmy Dowd.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 43 years, whom he adored, Diane B Dowd, his daddy’s girl who he loved like no other, Nikkie Reagan (Erik), son who drove him crazy but he loved with all he had, Stephen “Anthony” Dowd II (Mallorie); six grandchildren that he constantly made laugh with his weird humor, Brady Faith Reagan, Riley Fuller Dowd, Noah Dowd, Skylar Dowd, Cade Reagan, and Coleman Dowd; his little sister who did no wrong if you ask him, Angela Coleman (Rex); as he calls him a brother from another mother Jim Stevens(Linda); and brother in laws, Robert Spillards (Sylvia), Craig Spilliards (Sylvia), and many nieces and nephews.
Stephen served his country by serving in the Army National Guard for 6 years. Stephen was an avid cyclist and rode thousands of miles on his bike. He was a regular attender of BRAG (Bike Ride Across Georgia), participating 17 times.
He retired from Gulfstream Aerospace after 50 years on May 13, 2024 as an Engineer, and was very respected among his work peers.
Stephen was a lifelong member of Rothwell Baptist Church where he served as a Middle School Sunday School teacher, was on the Pastor search committee, finance team, and the one he was most proud of being a Deacon.
Stephen will be missed by those who love him. He was a present husband and father. He helped coached little league football and baseball for the Pooler Packers, showed up to every recital, and was PTA president of Groves High School when his kids were in high school in the early 2000’s.
He was a grandfather who was “Grumpy” in name but playful in spirit. He loved his grandkids and always showed up for them as well.
His family is grateful for the gift of his life, his steadfast presence, and his example of love and faith. While deeply missed, they find peace in knowing he is no longer in pain and is at home with his Savior, Jesus.
Would also like to thank, Dr. Goldberg, Kate, Kathy, and Amy for their loving support and care they have given Stephen over the last 3 years of this courageous battle with cancer. We would also like to thank Hospice Savannah, Nurse Megan for her care and support over the last four weeks and Margaret for her compassion as Stephen entered into his eternal Home with Jesus.
Pallbearers will be Josh Coleman, Donald Brown, Billy Stevens, Brandon West, Paul Wheeles, and Dustin Fort. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons, Finance and Search Committee of Rothwell Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held on Friday December 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. one hour prior to service. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday December 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Rothwell Baptist Church with Burial to follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rothwell Baptist Church youth fund that will be used to help send the youth to camp this summer.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.com
Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80 Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862. www.bakermccullough.com