Dowdy, Robert Van

Robert Van Dowdy (Butch) passed away at his home in Christiansburg, VA on December 9, 2021. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Connor; father, Ellis Dowdy; step father, Loys Connor; sister, Linda Gail Duncan; and brother, Leonard (Shorty) Dowdy.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Dowdy; son, Dwayne Dowdy (Tammy); daughters, Cara L. Dowdy, Heather M. Dowdy; step daughter, Amy Marshall (Scott); sister Geneva Hutcherson (George); granddaughters, Sydney Pittman, Kyla Venteicher; grandsons, Chris Ashworth, Isaiah Brown; great grandchildren, Nasir and Jaleh Ashworth; nephews, Chris DiDonato, D.C. Easter; nieces, Maria Hamlin (Pat), Charlene Duncan; great nieces, Beth McGuire, Patricia Atkinson; great nephews, Kenny Hamlin, Frank McGuire. Butch was blessed to have a host of close friends. Phoebe and Sassy were the family pets that will also miss him.

Butch worked at Thompson Tire for 17 years and then for the Shelor Motor Mile for 17 years. He enjoyed building drag cars and drag racing. He was also a member of some car clubs and would go to car shows and cruise ins. In addition, he loved having family over and doing cookouts. He was happy to be a part of the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 12-1:00pm at Horne Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 1:00pm in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at North Fork Cemetery.