Roger Lee Dowdy, 79, of Woodlawn, IL passed away on September 4, 2023 at his residence. He was born on May 18, 1944 in Taylorville, IL to the late Shirley Arnold Dowdy and Ruby Pearl Kearney. Roger married the love of his life, Nancy E. (Newell) Dowdy, and she survives.

Roger loved his country and proudly served in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and went on to work for many years in the grain industry. He worked as a general manager of operations for 29 years until his retirement in 2010. Throughout his life, Roger resided in many towns, including Owaneco, Palmer, Taylorville, Stonington, Olmsted, Cincinnati, and Woodlawn. In his free time, Roger loved watching high school sports, his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, playing cards, and hunting. Above all, Roger loved his family immensely and enjoyed spending time with his wife, sons, and grandsons.

Roger is survived by his wife: Nancy E. Dowdy of Woodlawn, IL; sons Tim (Kristie) Dowdy of Indianapolis, IN; Bruce (Jackie) Dowdy of Stonington, IL; Jared (Sarah Richardson) Dowdy of Dix, IL; grandsons Matt, Austin, Tyler, Caleb, and Will Dowdy; brother Larry R. Dowdy; sister Gloria (Larry) Budd, all of Taylorville, IL; and his sister-in-law Sandra (Tom Shurtz) Presswood of Mt. Vernon, IL. Roger also had many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Shirley and Ruby, sisters Margaret (Peggy) Hunt and Laura Maxine Dowdy, and sister-in-law Jana Dowdy.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, IL. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will  begin at 3:00 PM with Pastor Chad Foster officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Roger’s name to either the Wounded Warrior Project or The American Cancer Society for Prostate Cancer Research.

Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com.