Dowdy, Donald Rudolph

Donald Rudolph Dowdy, 88, of Christiansburg, Va., passed away from this life and entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam (Poppie) and Sarah Inez Jones Dowdy; former wife, Nettie Young Dowdy; and eight brothers and sisters.

He was an Army Veteran of World War II, having landed at Normandy and fighting all the way inside Russia. Later, he was employed by Burlington Industries and Holiday Ford. As a long-time member of Park United Methodist Church, he was instrumental in the building of the present church. He presently attended East Radford Church of God in Radford. Having never met a stranger, he made many friends who loved him dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Graham Dowdy; daughters, Bonnie D. Harris and Carolyn D. Walters and her husband, Fred, all of Christiansburg. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Jennifer C. Schutte, of Riner, Va., Kevin D. Crowe and wife, Shelia, of Riner, Va., Amy L. Harris, of Roanoke, Va., and Eric N. Harris, of Christiansburg, Va.; great-grandchild, Jarrett K. Schutte, of Riner, Va.; five stepdaughters; seven stepgrandchildren; special friends, Bill Crowe, John Schutte, Tony Huddleston, Brodyn Huddleston, and Chris Barker; and caretaker, the Rev. Brian Mitchell.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010, at the Horne Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held 7 p.m. on Friday at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at the Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg, Va.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 366, Christiansburg, Va. 24068.

The Dowdy family is being served by Horne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com