Samuel L. Dowell
October 27, 1928 - January 22, 2020
Samuel L. Dowell, age 91, of Newark, DE, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
Born in Winston-Salem, NC on October 27, 1928, he was a son of the late Ralph Dewey and Grace Elizabeth (Roberts) Dowell. In his earlier years, Samuel was a farmer and carpenter. He later started his 22-year career as a barber, where he made many friends. Following his retirement as a barber, he was a general contractor for Diamond State Telephone for the next 13 years. In 2019, he proudly received his 50-year pin as a Mason.
In addition to his parents, Samuel was preceded in death by his wife, Madeline (Dezern) Dowell. He is survived by his son, Cecil D. Dowell (Elizabeth); brother, John H. Dowell (Sylvia); grandchildren, Andrew Dowell, Brandon Dowell (Angela) and Denise Dowell; great grandchildren, Olivia Dowell, Ella Carroll, Carter Dowell, Cooper Dowell, Lidia Carroll and Gigi Dowell; and devoted companion, Bette Waters.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, January 27, 2020, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Samuel’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 215 East Delaware Avenue, Newark, DE 19711 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Sue Holland
Sam has reached the end of a long, good journey in this world and gone on to his heavenly father. Sam was one of the people I enjoyed talking, singing and praying with in many of our good phone conversations. He was kind and funny as well. I loved him. Blessings for the great family he has left here to carry on his strong faith and positive attitude.
Kimberly Ramsey
Cecil, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will forever miss listening to his stories in the driveway.
Laurie Scott
Sam always made an impact on people, no matter how brief he encountered them. He brightened everyone’s day, and was always there for a smile, a hug, or a mint just when you needed it. I will miss him greatly. I’m so blessed to have met him. Lots of love and prayers to the family at this difficult time. Praying for peace and strength for you all.
Tracy Dooling Marcum
Sending my condolences to your family. I have many fond memories of both Sam and Madeline from my younger years. My family (Jan and Phyllis Dooling were my parents) were members of NCHA and enjoyed many wonderful campouts with them. Sam and Madeline were both kind hearted people and I have thought of them many times over the years. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Joy (Tina ) D Winfree
What a wonderful cousin and relative to have. Always upbeat, kind, cheery and warm. Our family has so many wonderful memories. What a legacy to leave, much love.
Tammy Carpenter
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Sam,he was the kindest,funniest man you could evey know,prayers to Sam family & companion bette waters,may you find comfort in your hearts through this difficult time.
Berry family
Honoring a wonderful Uncle.
“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love” – Mother Theresa.
As I look back over our short time together, what strikes me the most are the laughs and the smiles you so easily elicited from us. You were quite a wonderful and natural storyteller, and the genuine warmth and kindness of your presence gave those stories such value. Sam was truly an extraordinary person, for it is a rare thing in life for someone to greet another with truly open arms, and more so, an open heart, and that was exactly what Sam did when I first met him. He offered me earnest and unconditional love, innate and resplendent in him, and he has truly brightened my life. I learned so much about our family. I learned so much about you. I sincerely wish we had connected sooner. But, if God is to keep you at his right hand, I will content myself with the memories of the sublime soul that I knew, to be cherished for always in my heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cecil, Libby, Bette & family.
Jack & Linda Eldreth
Our deepest sympathy to the Dowell family. Sam always had a smile and a story for everyone. He left an impression in our lives and will be dearly missed. So blessed to have known him.
Shari and Jim Barnwell
Cecil and Lib, so sorry for your loss. Sam was a special man and you both will get thru this trying time by the grace of God. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers. I know he enter heaven’s gate and the Lord called him by name “welcome Sam” forget that MR. Dowell stuff.
Scott Dooling
Cecil and Family, I have many great memories visiting and camping with your mom and dad. Your dad was there for me, when my dad pass away. So blessed to have known him. Sam was great friend and gentleman ! Love and prayers to you and family.
Jerry whisman
I am deeply sorry at the passing of Sam. I work at Chic Fil a and cherished his visits. We would talk about everything including the goodness of God. He was so precious and Heaven has welcomed a great man. I will surly miss him but know I will see him again. I will never forget him.