Funeral services for Mr. Jerry Wayne Dowdy were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at Victory Baptist Church in Bassfield with interment following in Double Church Cemetery.  Rev. Terry Fant officiated, assisted by Rev. Mike Aultman.  Mr. Dowdy, age 65, was called home to be with his Lord Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at his home in Collins.

The family received friends Sunday evening, Jan. 22, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.  Mr. Dowdy lie in state Monday afternoon, Jan. 23, from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at 2 p.m. at Victory Baptist Church.

Serving as pallbearers were Brandon Dowdy, A.J. Gentry, Jeffery Davis, Allen Dowdy, Carlton Anderson, Terrel Washington, Kenny Jenkins and James Hoskins.

Jerry Wayne Dowdy was born on May 12, 1957, in Dunklin County, Missouri to Jack and Effie Jonell Thompson Dowdy.  After graduating high school from Deer Creek Academy in Arcola, Jerry enrolled in Mississippi Delta Community College where he earned his Technical Degree in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).  He worked for Dent Air Conditioning Company in Jackson for 29 years where he was very much loved by his customers.  It was Jerry’s love for people and his commitment to serving them that earned him the notoriety of being the number one requested technician with Dent; moreover, it was often said, “if you can’t send Jerry, don’t send anyone”.  Jerry’s good heart and love for others was not only exemplified on the job; but also with people in the community, especially youth.  To this day, there are those that can attest to the fact that he was a mentor and father figure to them; making a difference in their lives.

After leaving Dent Air Conditioning, Jerry and his wife, Belinda founded Magnolia Heating and Cooling, where he continued his fine service that people had come to expect from him over the years.

Jerry will also be remembered for his love for animals, especially his dogs he had down through the years.  His wife and children recall that he possessed great humor and always kept everyone laughing.  Whether it was waking his kids up for school or simply performing a menial task, Jerry always created a song to sing that correlated with what he was doing.  He loved his family very much and was a great encourager to them and supportive in their lives.

A member of Victory Baptist Church in Bassfield, he was also a former member of Grace Baptist Church in Florence, where he served as Deacon.  Not only a gentleman, but also a gentle-man, Jerry Wayne Dowdy was a shining example that great, Godly men still exist.  His fingerprint will remain on the lives of the many people he touched during his journey here.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Jack W. Dowdy; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Effie Mae Thompson; his paternal grandparents, Will and Ella Mae Dowdy as well as his mother and father-in-law, James and Daisy Coulter.

His memory will forever by cherished by his beloved wife, Belinda Coulter Dowdy of Collins; his son, Brandon Dowdy (Jessica) of Florence; his daughter, Tricha Davis (Jeffery) of Florence; step-daughter, Gaylan Gentry (A.J.) of Bassfield; his mother, Jonell E. Dowdy of Long Beach; one brother, Allen Dowdy (Beverly) of Lake Village, Arkansas and one sister, Melanie Anderson (Carlton) of Long Beach.  The legacy of their Papa will also live on through his grandchildren, Maddox, Zoey, Ella Rose, Magnolia and Sunday Dowdy and Adeline, Hayden and Presley Davis.  In addition, Jerry also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com