Leon Dowless

Leon Harrelson Dowless, 79, known in life as husband, Daddy, brother, Pa, and friend, peacefully passed on February 3, 2018 at his home. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife: Sinia Faye Dowless, and parents: Downie and Vivian Dowless. Those left to celebrate his life include his two daughters: Linda Evers and son-in-law Steve Evers and Robyn Wilson and husband Tony; two grandchildren: Merideth Colville and husband Billy and Cody Evers and girlfriend Krisna Ransom; two great-grandchildren: Sinia Presley and Elaire Rose Colville; two constant Yorkie companions: Tanner and Louie; one brother: D.W. Dowless and wife Dottie; and two sisters: Jean Elkins and husband Bobby and Fostine Bowen and husband Charlie.

Born in Bladen County, North Carolina on September 26, 1938, Leon always had a head for numbers. Before he settled into the career where those numbers mattered most, he spent years racing cars, fighting fires, and building ships. Somewhere in the midst of it all, he found his way to Virginia where he met the love of his life, a waitress at a local diner, which he frequented again and again until he finally persuaded her to marry him on November 2, 1957. A few years and two girls later, they settled back in his North Carolina home. The two of them quietly became a support system for not only their own family, but for a community of people young and old who needed love, kindness, and a helping hand that was always not only offered, but freely given again and again.

While he had a fierce love for his family, he found his second home on the road; Leon spent most of his working life managing construction projects across the country for the Fluor Daniel Corporation. Those numbers that came so naturally to him in school proved to be valuable skills in a workplace that required precision. Known for his rigid expectations of quality workmanship, he earned the respect of both those who worked for him and those he worked for. Back at home, there was nothing more magical than Christmas: Pa was guaranteed to be there, and he was up earlier than anyone, ready to share in the joy of the season. Retirement gave him a well-deserved chance to spend more time back home, and his best stories included tales from jobs near and far. In both stature and spirit, at every age, he was truly larger than life; the countless family, friends, and colleagues who remain will never fill the space he leaves behind.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Dublin First Baptist Church followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm with Rev. Cameron McGill officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Henry Allen Cemetery (Hwy 131) in Bladenboro.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials can be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, NC 28472.