BEAR - Dr. Floyd E. McDowell passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. Dr. McDowell was born to parents Thomas and Elinor McDowell on Feb. 7, 1927 in Gordon, Ga. The youngest of 12 children, he joined the Coast Guard and served honorably in World War II and the Korean War. He received two doctorates degrees from George Peabody College/Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Dr. McDowell spent his career in public service as an educator and social change advocate. His career led him across the country, and he eventually settled in Delaware in 1983. He was a champion of the disenfranchised and a quixotic dreamer who strived to improve the lot of his fellow man.
Twice married (both spouses predeceased him), Dr. McDowell is survived by daughters, Karen Huff and son-in-law Jim Huff of Brookhaven, Ga., Diane Dempsey and son-in-law Robert Dempsey of Buford, Ga., Laura McDowell of Wilmington, Jennifer Goff and son-in-law Richard Goff of Cranston, R.I., Amy McDowell and son-in-law Christian Hoffmann of Newark; and sons, Floyd McDowell Jr. and daughter-in-law Vanessa McDowell of Wilmington and David McDowell of Bear. In addition, he is survived by nine grandchildren and thre great-grandchildren.
Dr. McDowell will be cremated privately. A memorial will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark. Flowers or donations may be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Rd, Newark, DE 19711. To send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com
Strano & Feeley
Family Funeral Home
302-731-5459