Edison Lincoln Dowdy, Jr.

In Loving Memory of Edison Lincoln Dowdy, Jr. Edison Lincoln Dowdy, Jr., 66 of Glen Allen, VA, formerly of Pearisburg, passed away Friday, August 27, 2010 at Retreat Hospital in Richmond, VA.  Eddie, or “Rowdy” as he was called by his close friends, was preceded in death by his parents Lida McCoy Dowdy and Edison L. Dowdy, Sr.  Eddie was born in Radford, VA on Jan. 15, 1944.  Eddie joined the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg on April 15, 1962.  He moved his membership there in 2006 to Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Glen Allen, VA.  Eddie owned and operated Dowdy’s Jewelers, Inc. in Pearisburg for the last 25 of its 44 years in business.  He was also founder of  D & A Auto Parts (NAPA) in Pearisburg which celebrated its 27th anniversary in 2010.  He was a Graduate Watchmaker, Jeweler, Engraver and held the G.I.A. Diamond Certificate.  Eddie received numerous awards in his life, but was especially proud to have been a Co-Chair with his friend, Freddie Williams, for the Pearisburg Lions Club Christmas Shopping Tour for needy children and their families. Eddie and his wife Alice, along with their good friends, Don and Susan Allen, were the founders of the first Giles Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society.  The Relay celebrated its ninth year in 2010 and is known as a leader in the Mid-Atlantic Region, as well as on the National Level. It has raised over 1.1 million dollars.  Eddie was a Corvette and Harley-Davidson lover, and had gathered an extended family of car and motorcycle friends over the years.  After taking up golf at the age 50, he enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Alice Williams Dowdy of Glen Allen, one son, Tony Dowdy and his wife, Anne of Glen Allen, one daughter, Elizabeth D. Skaggs and husband, Mitch of Roanoke, three grandchildren, Edison Drew Lagan of Roanoke, Stephanie Anne and  Caroline Grace Dowdy of Glen Allen; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Dot) Williams of Pearisburg, Bob and Ethel Ropp of Chesapeake, Margaret W. Stowers of Radford,  Martha W. Sanders of Cuthbert, GA., Thomas (Tom) and Loretta Williams of Roanoke , Connie W. Kramer of Roanoke and Jerry and Phyllis (Snooky) Williams of Pembroke.  Also, three aunts, Pauline Dowdy of Blacksburg, Ruth and Rachael McCoy of McCoy, VA, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Funeral services will be conducted, Mondy, August 30, 2010 at 2:00pm at the Pearisburg First United Methodist in Pearisburg with Rev. Eddie Kendall and Dr. Fred L. Austin officiating.  Burial will follow in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Pearisburg First United Methodist Church Sunday evening from 6 – 8 pm.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Giles Relay for Life, Sandra Clark, 307 Mayo Circle, Pearisburg, VA., 24134.  The family wants to thank Dr. Fintel, Dr. Richards, Dr. Rogers, Dr. Hess, Scott Myers, and daughter Elizabeth, ANP., and all of God’s angels at Blue Ridge Cancer Care Chemotherapy and Radiation Departments located at Lewis-Gale Hospital in Salem, VA. Also, many thanks to the nurses of Hospice of Virginia.  Online condolences can be sent to the givensfuneralhome.com.       If you would like to send your condolences to the family via Givens Funeral Home, simply sign the Memorial Guestbook by clicking the link.  Your condolences will be printed out and given to the family.