John Donald "Don" Dowdy

JOHN DONALD “DON” DOWDY

Born: September 28, 1944, Place: Barton, Alabama

Don moved to Florida in 1950 and lived in Polk County all his adult life. Don is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann (Sylvest) Dowdy of Winter Haven, FL.

Surviving Children and Spouses: Julie Ann Justice-Lay (Bill) of Lakeland, FL, Sharon Lynn Daniels (Darin) of Winter Haven, FL and Terry Wayne Dowdy, Murphy, NC. Grandchildren: Tiffany Justice, Lauryn Lay, Billy Lay (Brittany), Ashley Daniels Brooks (Devon), Crystal Daniels, and Korey Dowdy (Amy). Two great grandchildren. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Vannie Mae Dowdy of Bartow, FL. He is also preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. William, Ralph and Hershel Dowdy, Katherine Wheeler, Hazel Barker, and Eva June Thompson. Granddaughter, Kaitlin Dowdy.

Don served the community of Polk County in Law Enforcement for many years. His life was one of dedicated service and compassion. After leaving the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Don, Ray Willis, Wally Edwards and Sammy Taylor established an investigative agency, Ray Willis & Associates, Inc., where he served as Executive Vice President for 11 years. Upon leaving the agency, he was offered a position with WS Badcock Corporation in which he eventually obtained the position of Security Director. He then retired in 2012 after 25 years of service.

Don was a member of Central Baptist Church of Winter Haven where he and his family worshiped his Lord and Savior. He was a devoted loving husband and father to his wife and children. Don’s life was one of dedication, service and courage. He will be missed by all the lives he has touched, especially by his loving wife, Joyce of 54 years, and family.

Services will be Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow, FL. Visitation at 10:00 AM and Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.