William Eugene Dowdy

William Eugene Dowdy, 92, of Somerville, Tennessee, passed away Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Dowdy was born September 17, 1933, in Whiteville, Tennessee, to Laverne Weston Dowdy and Velma Mai Henry Dowdy. He attended Fayette County Schools and went on to build a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. He married the love of his life, Valerie Garrett, and together they shared a devoted and enduring marriage.

William was a proud farmer and veteran, two roles he cherished most. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and later trained troops at West Point. His dedication to service extended beyond the military into his community. He served on several boards, including Chairman of Public Works, County Commissioner, and the Farm Bureau Board. He also operated the Laconia Store Gin. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, attending auctions and estate sales, and watching Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed eating breakfast at the Country Cafe.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Valerie Dowdy; two daughters, Sandra Hunt (Charlie) and Debra Keyser (Brad); two sisters, Alma Taylor and Tena Scott; three brothers, Howard Dowdy (Aileen), Ronnie Dowdy (JoAnn), and Dennis Dowdy (Natalya); five grandchildren, Leslie Evans (Danny), Diane Russell (John), Joey Logan (LeAnn), Savannah Dowdy-Vanderford (Jimmy), and Miles Davis (Kristen); and ten great-grandchildren, Paige, Jayden, Hannah, Audrey, JulieAnn, Miley, Ace, Jax, Nix and Clay. He was preceded in death by his parents and two great-grandchildren, Christian and Brooks,

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, 6140 Old Jackson Road, Somerville, TN 38068, or Northeast Fire Department, 905 Mt. Moriah Drive, Whiteville, TN 38075.

Services for Mr. Dowdy will be held Saturday, March 7, at 1:00 PM at Liberty Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM at the church. Interment will follow at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Wayne Dowdy, Doug Dowdy, Jason Dowdy, Mark Roberson, Amy Newman, and Barbara Ferge. Honorary pallbearers are A.C. Rivers, Earl Dowdy, Cecil Spain, and Ricky Sweeton.

Mr. Dowdy will be remembered for his steadfast faith, deep love for his family, devoted service to his country and community, and the legacy of hard work and integrity he leaves behind.

Lovingly written by the family to honor a life well lived.