Philip G. McDowell, Sr.
Philip G. McDowell, Sr., 73, a good man, left this world of pain, fear and unimaginable cruelty on Monday, July 25, 2022, at home, surrounded by his loved ones. After a long battle with cancer Philip always said he knew where he was going and wasn't afraid of death.
Although not a member of any church Phil was a Christian, praying frequently and found peace in reading his Bible.
He was preceded in death by his loving son, J. Nick McDowell, his mother, "Jean" Womack McDowell, and father, David Boyd. Philip was a man of integrity, honesty, patriotism, most proud of his family, hardworking and an all-around good man.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Paula McCarter McDowell, Phil's children with prior wife, Teresa McDowell Dixson: Dr. Philip (Chip) McDowell Jr. [Andrea], Nick's widow, Laura McDowell and Patrick McDowell [Sara], grandchildren, Hayley McDowell [Nicks daughter] Jack, Charlie, Hank, Warrick and Lexi McDowell. Stepsons James McCarter (Angi), Joshua McCarter (Tracy Lewis), and Jacob McCarter (Beth) and 11 step grandchildren, and one step great- grandchild. His dearly loved sister Mavis (Gene) Weathers, brother Jimmie McDowell and sister Brenda Matthews of Florida. Aunt Joann Smith, several nephews, nieces and cousins, and many close friends. His closest friend was Layla, his dog.
Phil grew up in the Pikeville area and the friends he made as a child remained close to him throughout his life. He graduated from Bledsoe County high school and joined the Navy in 1967, served two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard aircraft carrier, He became a member of The American Legion post 95 and VFW. Upon returning home to begin almost 40 years of employment at Norfolk Southern Railroad. Many of the people he worked with there remained close friends until the end. After retirement his favorite pastime was watching The Vols, Titans, Falcons or any other NFL team on TV and the Atlanta Braves. He and Paula traveled internationally, visiting 47 countries in 10 years and many states including Hawaii and Alaska. Phil always enjoyed himself but mostly just wanted to go home to his dog. They attended several Vols, NFL games, Nascar races and Braves games; as age and illness caught up Phil settled for watching TV and sticking close to home.
Great appreciation for frequent visits throughout Phils illness to dear friends Chuck Hancock and Wayne Griffin. These visits were the best medicine he could receive. The family would like to thank Dr. John Tapp, Dr. Dereck Holland, Memorial Hospital Radiation department and Avalon Hospice for their excellent care.
A service to celebrate the life of Philip McDowell Sr, will be held on Saturday, July 30, at 5 p.m. from Ponders Brainerd Chapel with Chaplain Daniel White officiating.
He will be laid to rest at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, Aug. 1, with Chip McDowell, Patrick McDowell, James McCarter, Joshua McCarter, Jacob McCarter, Chuck Hancock and Wayne Griffin serving as pallbearers. American Legion Post 95 will provide military rites.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 30, at Ponders Brainerd Chapel from 2 p.m. until the service hour of 5 p.m.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Ponders Brainerd Chapel, 4203 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411.