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In Loving Memory of David Norris Dowdy August 5, 1949 – May 27, 2025 David Norris Dowdy was born on August 5, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland. From a young age, David showed a quiet strength, a strong sense of duty, and a sharp intellect— qualities that would guide him throughout his life. During his years at Sparrows Point High School, David was active in sports, particularly football and basketball, where he forged friendships that would last a lifetime. Not long after high school, David was traveling home from ROTC at Morgan State University where fate intervened on a city transit bus—David met the lovely Alice Owens, and from that day forward, their story began. They married on June 24, 1972, and together they built a life grounded in loyalty, partnership, and love. Their union brought forth two cherished daughters, Melani and Lauren, who were the light of David’s life. David entered the workforce early, taking on jobs at the Sparrows Point Country Club as a caddy and at a local crab house—both experiences that shaped his lifelong love of steamed crabs and hard work. In 1969, at the age of 20, he was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, serving as a Military Police officer. His time in service shaped his sense of discipline, responsibility, and leadership. Following his military service, eager to continue learning, David pursued higher education and earned his bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University, majoring in mathematics with a minor in landscape architecture. While attending classes, he worked at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard, where his meticulous attention to detail earned him the position of counter—tracking welding scrap with precision and care. He remained there until 1985 before briefly working with the Baltimore Transit System. David’s career reached its pinnacle when he joined the ballistics division at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a mathematician. There, he contributed to military human factors research, helping to improve safety and performance for service members across the country. His work left a lasting mark. He retired in 2010, closing a chapter marked by innovation, integrity, and commitment to national service. Some of his favorite pastimes included watching the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, relaxing by the beach, solving crossword puzzles, watching and participating in the annual Preakness stakes and manicuring his lawn. He had a great collection of baseball caps from places he and his family traveled. David also loved a good game of pool and reflecting on fond memories with friends. He will always be remembered for his extensive knowledge of all things and his ability to solve problems and fix just about anything. David was a man of steady character, deep devotion to his family. He found joy in the in his home, his marriage to Alice, and in the love of his daughters and granddaughter. Preceding him in death by his parents Henry and Virginia Dowdy; brothers Samuel and Charles Dowdy; sisters Delores Briscoe and Marion Purviance. David leaves behind his beloved wife, Alice Owen Dowdy; daughter Melani Dowdy-Tucker (Scott Tucker); daughter Lauren Dowdy; granddaughter Londyn Camejo; brother Ronald Dowdy; (Nancy) sister-in-law Juanita Owens; brothers-in-law John Owens (Ida) and Roy Owens (Janice); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. David Dowdy lived a life of service, integrity, and quiet grace. His memory will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

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David Norris Dowdy

August 5, 1949 - May 27, 2025