Daniel Ellis Dowling

Mr. Daniel “Danny” Ellis Dowling, Jr., age 78, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday morning (8/28/21) at the Bacon County Hospital following a short illness.

Born April 10, 1943 in Waycross, he was a son of the late Daniel Ellis and Nellie Henkle Dowling. He graduated from Ware County High School in 1961. He had lived in Brunswick and Hoboken before moving to Blackshear in 1974.  He retired in 2005 as a locomotive electrician with CSX Railroad and then worked for Progress Rail and National Railway.  In the last 12 years, he had travelled across the United States, Canada, Africa, and South America repairing locomotives and his knowledge was still sought after up until the time of his illness.

He was a longtime member of Deenwood Baptist Church in Waycross in which in dearly loved. He was a Deacon, taught the Youth Sunday School Class, and was the Chairman of the House and Grounds Committee. 

He was also a member of The Gideons International and was past-president of the Pierce County Jaycees.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Marlene Todd Dowling; a sister, Shirley Miller; and a brother, Richard Dowling.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Peacock Dowling of Blackshear; 2 sons, David Dowling (wife Ronda) of Brantley County and Steven Dowling (wife Samantha) of Jesup; 2 step-daughters, Pamela Thomas (husband Michael) of Blackshear and Mandy Thrift (husband Justin) of Waycross; 11 grandchildren, Shane Dowling (wife Desiree) and Todd Dowling (wife Rachel), both of Waycross, Kirsten Williams (husband Zachary) of Augusta, Ashley Dowling and Heather Dowling, both of Jesup, Megan Dowling of Atlanta, Emma Thomas,  Luke Thomas, and Pate Thomas, all of Blackshear, and Lily Thrift and Nora Thrift, both of Waycross; 6 great grandchildren and another expected soon, Grayson McCoy, Harrison Daniels, and Remington Nobles, all of Jesup, and Aubrey Dowling, Ethan Dowling, and Blakely Dowling, all of Waycross; sister, Bunny Howell of Waycross; brother, Billy Dowling (wife Cretia) of Waycross; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A visitation will take place on Monday evening (9/6/21) from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

A funeral service will take place on Friday (9/17/21) at 1 p.m. at Deenwood Baptist Church in Waycross. Burial will follow in the Hoboken City Cemetery.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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