Dates
Lawrence Dowdy was born at home in Marion County, Mississippi on March 29, 1935, to parents Olen Perry Dowdy and Lou Francis (Smith) Dowdy. He grew up near the small community of Foxworth and went to high school in Columbia. He moved away from home before finishing high school to work but later completed requirements to attain his GED. He worked on farms, tugboats on the Mississippi River, a gas station, and the oil fields. He also served in the Mississippi National Guard between 1955-1962.
One day he went to a local restaurant in Columbia where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Gean Moree, who was working at the restaurant. Lawrence and Dorothy married shortly thereafter. Lawrence and Dorothy had three children Michael, Kenneth and Cynthia.
Seeking better job opportunities, he went to work with seismographic companies and eventually worked the next 35+ years for Western Geophysical. During his career with Western, he and Dorothy lived in three countries (US, Argentina, and Canada) and six states (Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and California). He started as a driller helper and later moved on to newer vibratory seismic technology. During that time, he became a leading operator and mechanic for this new technology, and eventually became a mechanical supervisor traveling to numerous countries and states assisting multiple crews with their equipment fleets within the Western organization.
When Lawrence retired in 2001, he and Dorothy moved back to their roots to Columbia, MS, to care for their mothers. Being one who never sat still long, he worked several part time roles with BJ Services and Car Quest Auto Parts. He also did community service work presenting US flags to local schools and organizations. After the passing of their mothers, they moved to San Angelo, TX, where he was taken good care of by daughter Cindy and husband Scott Hurt and other family members.
Lawrence loved the Lord and instilled that love in his children. He enjoyed being around his grandkids and great grandkids. He loved to fish and tinker with all sorts of motorized equipment. He was a physically strong and imposing figure, yet a gentle giant in his demeanor to others, especially as he cared for his elderly mother in her later years.
Lawrence is survived by his wife Dorothy, son Michael and daughter-in-law Susan, son Kenneth and daughter-in-law Becky, daughter Cynthia and son-in-law Scott Hurt, and grandson Michael Dowdy and wife Lindsay, grandson David Dowdy and wife Jennifer, granddaughter Allison and husband Matt Hallford, granddaughter Jean and husband Brad Heare, granddaughter Kendra and husband Stephen Renke, grandson Cody Hurt and wife Scarlett and eleven great grandchildren.
He is now with his Lord and Savior. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother and two sisters. We will miss him but only for a little while. Because of his huge caring heart, many people can attest to being touch by his gentle kindness. As his great-grandson stated, “He is fishing with Jesus”.