John Retired Jr.

John Wesley Dowis, Jr. USN, Retired, 76, of Cowpens, SC, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born September 5, 1937, in Cowpens, SC, he was the son of the late John Wesley Dowis, Sr. and Lucille Lipscomb Dowis. John was of the Christian faith and a member of Crossroads Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. He was a member of the church's Circle of Friends Sunday School Class and previously served as a deacon. Chief Dowis completed 20 years of service in the United States Navy, retiring in 1974. During his years of service, Chief Dowis was the recipient of several medals and commendations. His duty stations included ComFirstFlt Staff, San Diego, CA; USS Caperton (DD-650); USS Enterprise (CVAN-65); ComDesLant Staff, Newport, RI; and Naval Counter Intelligence Support Activity, Keflavik, Iceland. Ten years of Chief Dowis' service was in Washington, DC which included duty at the Pentagon and seven years with Naval Investigative Service Office, Washington, DC. He also retired as the Rate Supervisor, AAA Cooper Transportation, Dothan, AL, in February 2003 after 23 years of service. Chief Dowis was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association; the Korean War Veterans Association; Piedmont Historical and Genealogical Society; the Sons of Confederate Veterans, General Gist Camp; and the Daniel Morgan Chapter Sons of the American Revolution. He also served on the Veterans Committee for the Town of Cowpens, SC. Chief Dowis was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Patsy Phillips Dowis. Surviving is their one daughter, Shelli Denise Dowis of the home; and one son, Dr. John Brent Dowis (Cindy) of the home; four grandchildren - two granddaughters, Haley Elizabeth Dowis and Mackenzie Grace Dowis and two grandsons, Carey Phillips Dowis and John Christian Dowis, all of the home; three brothers, Bobby Dowis (Brenda), Harry Dowis, and Jack Dowis (Maxine), all of Cowpens, SC; and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by a sister, Ann Dowis Black (John). The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, October 18, 2013, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Crossroads Baptist Church, 130 Conway Black Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307, by Dr. Brent Dowis, the Rev. Rich Lancaster, and the Rev. David Swofford. Interment with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, 1955 Cannons Campground Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to Piedmont Hospice Community Fund, 209A Riverside Court, Greer, SC 29650. Condolences may be sent to PO Box 218, Cowpens, SC 29330; or 130 Conway Black Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Wesley Dowis, Jr. USN Retired please visit our Sympathy Store.