Edward McKinley Dowdy, Jr., age 82, of Wytheville, VA, passed away on July 11th, at home with family.

Eddie Dowdy was born in Pearisburg, VA to Edward McKinley Dowdy and Gladys Smith Dowdy on July 18th, 1942. He graduated from Pearisburg High School in 1961. He entered the United States Army in January 1964 and was honorably discharged January 1966. Eddie retired from Radford Army Ammunition Plant where he worked in security for 28 years. In retirement, he enjoyed managing the family farm, working in his gardens, countless landscaping projects, and the company of his two faithful border collies.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Lucille Coley Dowdy; sister, Loretta Testerman; sons, Michael Dowdy (Tara Felts Dowdy), Matthew Dowdy (Heather Shroyer Dowdy), and Mark Dowdy; grandchildren, Trevor Dowdy (Lexi Price Dowdy), Julie Dowdy Stone (Justin Stone), Gabriel Dowdy, and Maci Dowdy; nephews Chuck Eaton (Linda Eaton), Lewis Carlyle, R.L. Testerman, and Doug Testerman (Robin Testerman). He is preceded in death by parents Edward McKinley and Gladys Irene Smith Dowdy; sister Betty Ann Caryle and niece Karen Eaton.

Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association or to Paralyzed Veterans of America. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 3 P.M. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Bob Lewis and Jeff Picket officiating. Prior to the memorial service, visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 P.M until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.