Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, friend to many, and World War II Veteran, Ivan Charles Dowdey died Monday May 10th, 2021 at the age of 94. Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years Benna Jean Dowdey who died on March 4, 2021. He is survived by sons Dr. Benjamin Charles Dowdey (Susan) and Frank Leath Dowdey (Veronica). He was also a very special ”Grandfather” to his five grandchildren, Brandi Watson (Christian), David Letson (Dana), Leah Harrigan (Chris), Frank Dowdey II (Eric), and Amy Dowdey (John Robbins), six great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.
Charles was born in Birmingham’s South Highlands Hospital on November 12, 1926 to Frank Lincoln and Perry Katherine Dowdey. He was the youngest of four children including brother Wayne and sisters Perry Frank and Betty Fern who all preceded him in death. He attended West Jefferson High School where he graduated at the age of 14. Charles then left home to travel around the northeastern United States for several years. His walkabout as we liked to call it. He returned home in 1943 and entered Howard College (now Samford University), but his studies were interrupted by World War II. He joined the navy in November 1943 at the age of 17. After training at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois, he served in the Pacific aboard the light cruisier USS Biloxi. He was honorably discharged in February 1946. He reentered Howard College where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Fraternity. While there he met, fell in love with, and married Benna Jean Jones. Charles and Benna Jean made a home for their family for over fifty years in Crestline Park. In 2003 they moved to Leeds where they lived until entering a retirement facility in 2018. While in Leeds, Charles connected with other veterans at American Legion Post 107 where he served on the executive board for several years. He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church and Irondale United Methodist Church.
Charles had a successful career in advertising with the Birmingham News and Shades Valley Sun. Upon retirement, he pursued his real passion, playing golf. Charles played countless rounds of golf with close friends at Terry Walker Country Club in Leeds and more recently at Trussville Country Club where he played until the age of 90. He shot his age multiple times and made a hole in one in 2012 at the age of 85.
Due to Covid-19, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life on a date to be determined will be held to honor the lives of both Charles and Benna Jean. Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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