William "Bill" Anthony Dowless, 51, of Eden passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, December 22, 2014.
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel.
Mr. Dowless was born on August 12, 1963 in Raleigh, NC, the son of Jack Dowless, Jr. and Ann Tarlton Dowless. Bill lived for 50 of his 51 years in Rockingham County, graduating from Morehead High School in 1981 and attending Rockingham Community College. As a youth, Bill was active in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Life Scout. Bill worked for many years as a foreman for Southeastern Industrial Painting and at the time of his death was self-employed as Dowless Painting and Decorating. He will be remembered as a highly skilled tradesman with knowledge spanning all areas of home and building maintenance. He held a deep love of music of all genres, especially the blues. Bill was a talented musician having played trombone with the Morehead High School band and for several years played guitar, sang and managed a local band, OldZkool. He especially enjoyed creating original songs for the band to perform which reflected his varied personal life experiences.
He is survived by a son, Jason Anthony Dowless of Wirtz, VA; four daughters, Nicole Lauren Dowless of Greensboro, Kayla Brook Alexandra Dowless Richardson and spouse, Jean, of Walnut Cove, Hailey Michelle Dowless of Eden, and McKenzie Cheyenne Dowless of Eden; three step-sisters, Alison Nicole Reid of Reidsville, Meleah Reid Banks and husband, Lane, of Chatsworth, GA, and Heather Reid Stewart and husband, Brian, of Mukwonago, WI; four grandchildren, Hayden Lucas Coye Dowless, Brooklyn Jean Dianne Richardson, Cora Sophia Jeanette Richardson, and Eugene Ray Richardson; father and step-mother, Jack and Jo Dowless of North Myrtle Beach, SC; mother and step-father, Ann and Steve Hanline of Blue Ridge, GA; brother, Kenneth Mark Dowless and wife, Patrea of Columbus GA; nephews, Kenneth Cameron Dowless of Columbus, GA, and Cory Alexander Dowless of Auburn, AL.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill's memory to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
I use to babysit this child in the sixties for Jack and Ann. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda P Scott Hearne
Jack and Family, I am so very saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, that God will give each of you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. May He also bless and strengthen you all in the days and weeks to come.
Larry Patterson
Larry Patterson
Bill was a special person and friend that will be missed by many
Ernie and Lavonne Huntet
Dear Family,
I was in scouting with Bill and recall our trip to Philmont. Am saddened with his departure and pray for joyour memories of his life. He was a good man.
Best regards,
Jerry Garrett, Eden BSA Troop 508
Jerry Garrett
I am so saddened to learn of Bill's untimely death. I pray for healing and comfort for your family. I'm grateful to have known Bill and have many fond memories of Scouting with him.
Ed Guest
Jack, Jo and family,
Sincere sympathy. Our hearts are sad to learn of your loss. God bless and comfort each of you.
Pat and Don Matheson
Pat Matheson
Goodbyes are not forever,
Goodbyes are not the end,
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
I graduated with Bill in 1981. Great guy. I know he will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Judy Stevens Morris
Jack, Jo and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Love
Merrilee Massey
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Dyer
We are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful friend and neighbor. My daughter is best friends with McKenzie. Our prayers are with the family. May God bless each of you and wrap his loving arms around all of you. May he give you all peace. Bill is loved and greatly missed.RIP Bill until I see you again.
James and Michelle Boyd
To Jack, Jo, Ann and families,
It?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s said that no bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Please know our hearts are hurting for you today. May your special memories of Bill help to comfort you and all of those who loved him.
Fernard & Jenny Moore
Fernard Moore
Ann & Steve,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
Torrey Goard
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