Papa Dowda, as he was known to many, was born in Paris Mountain of Greenville County, SC on May 30, 1916. He was the son of James Luther Dowda and Annie Belle Jones Dowda. He was predeceased by all 12 of his siblings, his wife Ethel Ayers Dowda and his daughter, Freida Dowda Greene. Surviving are his son, Donald Floyd Dowda, with his wife Brenda, of Conyers, Georgia, and his grandchildren, Gary Greene, Suzanne Greene Anagnos and Heather Dowda Bishop. In addition are four great-grandchildren, Caleb and Phoebe Anagnos and Henry Liam and Hannah Bishop.

Beginning with his baptism in 1941, Papa Dowda was an active member of First Baptist Church of Landrum. During those years he was chairman of the deacons, a Sunday School teacher, training union director, a greeter and everyone&squo;s friend.

After growing up and working on a farm he was a lumberjack for his formative years until he began working at Spartan Grain Feed and Mill Company. He retired from Spartan Grain after 40 years and went to work at Michelin until he retired again at the age of 70.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 23 at First Baptist Church of Landrum. The funeral services will also be held at First Baptist Church of Landrum following the visitation at 4 p.m. Pastors Andy Allen and Wallace Hughes will be officiating the services. Pallbearers are Jimmy West, David Ayers, Gary Dowda, Bobby Dowda, Charlie Dowda, Terry Dowda, Joe Kelly, Danny West, John Cash and Larry Bagwell. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Reverend Frank Mitchell Sunday school class and the deacons at the FBC of Landrum. Following the funeral the internment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Smith Phayer Hospice House or to the First Baptist Church of Landrum for Children&squo;s Ministry Fund.

The Dowda family will be at his home and welcomes all visits from friends and family.

Homer Dowda was a remarkable man and loved by many. He touched countless lives with his good humor, his kindness, his strength, and his devotion to God. We were blessed to have him in our lives and he will be deeply missed.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory, Landrum..