John Henry Dowdy Sr., 85, affectionately known as “Booth” entered into eternal slumber on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. He was born on Jan. 24, 1933, to the late Rosa Lee Stallings-Dowdy and James Henry Dowdy.

John was a 1953 graduate of East Suffolk High School and went on to serve as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He later retired from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard after 29-½ years of dedicated service.

“Booth” leaves behind to cherish his beautiful memory, his beloved wife, Doris Marie Dowdy; children, Robin A. Dowdy, John H. Dowdy Jr., Michael W. Dowdy and Marilyn D. Dowdy; sister, Ann Pierson; grandchildren, Chiquita Timmons (James), Daryl Dowdy, Ray Dowdy, Brandon Silver, Carlos Eley and Tiara Malette; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Dowdy’s visitation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. A celebration of life service will take place at noon on Thursday at Metropolitan Baptist Church, followed by military honors at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and flowers may be extended at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com. Professional funeral services are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home Inc.