John Christie Dowling

John "Big Daddy" Dowling went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 21, 2018 in Orange Park Florida.
John was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on June 20, 1939. From there his family quickly settled to Wilmington N.C. John graduated from New Hanover High School and went on to join the United States Air Force at the age of 20. After basic training he drew several assignments and eventually settled in Oklahoma in 1961. In 1961 he married Linda Kay Davis of Santa Fe Florida, who has always been the love of his life. They had their first daughter Donna Kay while stationed in Oklahoma. Their second daughter Cynthia Ann came along during an assignment in Turkey. From Turkey they were then reassigned to Biloxi Mississippi. While stationed in Biloxi, John put in for a possible assignment in Washington DC. He was then selected for an assignment with the White House Communication Agency (WHCA). He remained there for 9 years, traveling many communication assignments in support of the President and Vice President of the United States. He retired from the Air Force on September 28, 1978 as a Senior Master Sergeant. John immediately took a job with Motorola C&E Inc, Utility Sales Force and moved to Orange Park Florida. After ten years with Motorola he was selected to be a member of The Galvin Masters Fraternal Sales Organization. In December 1998 after 20 years John retired from Motorola.
John was a good friend to all and will be sorely missed. During their retirement years, John and Linda traveled extensively across the United States, cruised through out the Caribbean and made many trips to the Florida Keys to go fishing. They loved to fish, and John hunted for many years with Jack Holder, Linda's stepfather. He also discovered the joys of being a grandfather to his three grandchildren with whom he loved dearly.
John is survived by his wife Linda Dowling, children Donna Powell, Cynthia Dowling, Grandchildren Christopher Dowling (Michelle), Tucker, Harper and Sawyer John, Fallon Raeffer (Ryan) Kaleb, Brooke, Jayden and Addison, Chelsea Nelson (Ryan), Emma Raye and Lincoln.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, all donations be made to the Haven Hospice of Orange Park.

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