May 13, 1940 – October 1, 2021
CRESWELL — Gary Joseph Dowdy, Sr., 81, of Creswell, NC died Friday, October 1, 2021, at Duke Raleigh Hospital.
A native of Manteo, NC he was born May 13, 1940, to the late Melva Creef Dowdy and Joseph Henry Dowdy.
A graduate of Manteo High School, Gary continued his education at East Carolina University earning his bachelor’s degree in 1963. He owned and operated Go Kart Gran Prix in Nags Head, NC until 2007.
An avid bird hunter, Gary loved his pointer dogs and field trails winning many trail events from 1970 until his health began to decline. He traveled the world hunting, and also enjoyed boating and fishing. For many years, he raced go-karts and hydroplane boats.
Gary is survived by six children, Gary J. Dowdy, Jr. (Sandi), Melinda Dowdy Barber (Jeff), Hunter Dowdy, Amy Nichols, Blake Dowdy (Noah), and Wade Dowdy; five grandchildren, Joseph Dowdy (Brooke), Cole Dowdy, Dylan Dowdy, Savannah Nichols, and Ashton Swaim; two great-grandchildren, Joseph Dowdy, and Warren Dowdy; and his sister, Sandra Dowdy Jump.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo. The family will receive friends and relatives for a viewing and visitation one hour prior. Gary will be laid to rest next to his father in Roanoke Island Memorial Gardens.
To send flowers to the family, please visit www.TwifordFH.com/send-flowers.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
