DeRoy Dowdle
DeRoy Dowdle, 87, of Simpsonville, SC, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Born in Fort Benning, GA on April 18,1939, he was a son of the late Lewis Tracy and Florence Robertson Dowdle.
DeRoy was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force and spoke fondly of his time at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. He worked for Diamond Hill Plywood Company for many years and retired from Greenville County. DeRoy loved people, Pepsi, and puzzles, and could always be found in his favorite overalls.
DeRoy is survived by three daughters, Christina Stepp, Kimberly Adams (Stephen), and Nancy Burkard (Christopher); four grandchildren, Kayla Brannon, Kevin Dowdle (Marsha), April Sullivan (Jason), and Stephanie Cox (Adam); seven great grandchildren, Jacob Stepp (Nikki), Wyatt Padgett, Katelyn Howard (Josh), Brayden Sullivan, Gavin Dowdle, McKensie Strickland, and Lexi Dowdle; one great-great granddaughter, Wrenley Kate Howard; and one sibling, Bennie Dowdle (Anne).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Lawing Dowdle; brother, LT Dowdle; granddaughter, Jennifer Stepp; son-in-law, Michael Stepp; and grandson-in-law, Robby Brannon.
The family would like to thank the staff of Compassus Hospice as well as Dr. Joshua Everett Smith with Palliative Care at Prisma in Greenville.
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home; 1150 N. Main St, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.
Nancy & family, my deepest condolences to you all. My heart aches for you all with the loss of your dad following so closely to passing of your mom. You all will be in my thoughts.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Your family will be in my prayers and thoughts. Deborah Parris (Anne Dowdle’s niece)
Nancy and family – my deepest sympathies for you in this time of unimaginable loss. I hope the memories of their love bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead.