Gary Owen Dowler (“Big Guy”) passed away due to complications while battling cancer on Christmas morning, 2018.  He was born July 16th, 1940 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  He attended Plant High School in Tampa, Florida and joined the US Navy in 1961.  He continued his education throughout his career and graduated from the State Technical College in Memphis, Tennessee. He served 25 years in various global posts retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer IV;  he then moved with his family to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

After retiring from the military he served 12 years as the Superintendent of Corrections for Hamilton County, Tennessee. He and his beloved wife of 54 years Gerry then relocated to Lake Weiss, Alabama and were active members of the First United Methodist Church of Centre, Alabama.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Julia Dowler of Tampa, Florida, his brother Larry Dowler, his sister Jari Lee, and his grandson Collin Dowler.

Gary is survived by his wife Gerry Martin Dowler, his son David and wife Ann Dowler, his daughter Dana and husband Wade McKenzie and grandchildren Dillon Dowler, Maggie and Emma McKenzie, and numerous other family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 28th from 10 a.m. to noon in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Centre.  The funeral service will also be held at the church at 2 p.m.  A memorial will be held at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in honor of Collin Dowlers’ “Collin’s Court” in Chattanooga, TN. First United Methodist Church will Be accepting these funds for the family.

Perry Funeral Home Directing.