Mr. Ronald Joseph Dowdell

Ronald Joseph Dowdell entered eternal rest on November 3, 2023 at his home at 908 Thackeray Lane, Pflugerville, TX, a suburb of Austin. Ronald was under the care of the Kidney Center. Master Sergeant Ronald Joseph Dowdell, U.S.A.F was born July 27, 1954, in Albany, New York to the late Romas and Princie Mae Dowdell. Ronald was a member of the last graduating class of the “Old” Albany High School, 1973. After graduation, he attended Hudson Valley Community College until 1974; at which time he left to pursue a job in Groton, Connecticut working for general Dynamics Electric Boat Division as a welder. Ronald worked in this capacity until December 1974, at which time he went to pursue his life’s calling and enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Ronald enjoyed a long and successful career of 22 years in the United States Air Force, reaching the designation of Master Sergeant.  Ronald was the recipient of three Air Force Commendation Medals for meritorious service. He retired from active duty on March 1, 1998 as a Master Sergeant. Ronald was stationed in several locations during his career in the Air Force: Elgin AFB-Florida, RAF Lakenheath-England, Andrews AFB-Maryland, Lackland AFB-Texas, Clark AFB-republic of the Philippines and Sheppard AFB-Texas. His entire career was spent working in the Medical Corps, specifically in the Behavioral Medicine working with the Mental Infirm and Substance Abuse population.  Ronald continued to work in the healthcare arena after retirement and subsequently continued his education at Vernon College, Vernon, Texas. MSgt. Ronald Dowdell also completed requirements to become a Certified Drug and Alcohol Abuse counselor in 2004.

Ronald often referred to himself as a jazz aficionado. He was a stellar athlete and sports fan. He held notable athletic accomplishments including the winner of the Western Massachusetts Golden Gloves in 1973, where he was touted as the tournaments outstanding boxer, the 1973 Adirondack AAU Championship; both in the Welterweight division. In 1979, Ronald was the United States Air Force United Kingdom Conference Middleweight Champion, which he was able to unseat the reigning Air Force European Champion. This accomplishment allowed him to go on to the Worldwide Camp to participate as an Air Force Team Member.

Ronald leaves to mourn a Loving Wife: Beth Johnson Dowdell Pflugerville, TX, Sons: Aaron Claude Dowdell Arlington, TX, Ira R. Rubio (Janie) of Harlingen, TX. Two grandsons, Ira and Ian. Six sisters, Rosemary, Bush, Claudette Sims, Carol Demeke, Leila Dowdell, Gladys Dumas, Princella Echols; and one brother, Otis Dowdell. Five nephews Rodney J. Garland (Sheila), Gregory A. Garland (Inez), James C. Garland II, Ronald J. Wilson, Reginald J. Sims, Nephew-in-law, Bernard Bryan. Six nieces, Denise L. Swann, Tracey L. Patton (Morton), Marian Jeanette Bush, Lillian E. Garland, Phillippa P. Garland-Wilcox and Cashay Demeke-Artis (Michael), 18 grandnieces, 8 great-grand nieces, 14 grand-nephews, 9 great-grandnephews and many cousins and friends. Ronald had a special bond with his niece, Marian. Special Cousin Louis Dowdell, Jr. Dear Friend Rev. David Traynham. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Romas and Princie Mae Dowdell, his daughter, Monica Nicole Dowdell, brother, Matthew Dowdell, sister, Jeanette Garland, brother in law Benjamin G. Garland, brother-in-law, Earl Sims, nieces, LaSone Garland-Bryan and Benita Elise Garland, and nephew Kenneth Wilcox, and grandnephews, Nikita K. Tarver and Gregory A. Garland, Jr.

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