Dowd, Henry J.

Henry J. (PAPAW) Dowd, of Ironto, was born on December 12, 1955, and went home to be with his mom and Dad-Henry and Thelma Dowd, on February 27, 2012.

Left behind to cherish his memories, are his wife of 13 years, Lisa; stepsons, Brad Helms and wife, Tiana, Leon East and wife, Danielle, and Robert East, all of Ironto; mother and father-in-law, Wayne and Annie Helms; and three sisters and their families, Kathleen, Pauline and Christine of Riverside, Calif. Henry never had children of his own but had many children and grandchildren by choice. These survivors include Erin and Mike Clingenpel, J.T. and B.J. Moore, and Jonathan Moore; grandchildren, Wesley, Kayla, Kaitlyn, Jamie, Chloe, Taylor, Jordan, Matthew; and special grandchildren, Nova and Mason; and special friends, Karen Byrd, Jason Brammer, Sarah Trump, Carla Keffer, and John Trent. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and beloved and faithful companions, Andre, Tiki, Casper, Murphy, Harley, Mocha, Brendi, Rocky and Charlie.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jessee Davidson and staff and also his girlfriends at Montgomery County Dialysis.

Living Life “Life is not a race, but indeed a journey. Be honest, work hard. Be choosy. Say ” thank you ,” ” I love you ,” and ” great job ” to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental- search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself-plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment”

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 3, 2012, after noon at the home. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.