James Wright Dowdy

James Wright Dowdy, 68, of Kernersville, NC was born January 28, 1957, to Jim and Marian Dowdy in El Paso, TX. He joined our Savior peacefully in his home on May 3, 2025. He graduated from Auburndale High School, Florida. He continued on to college at Tennessee Temple where he met his wife, Barbara. He was a faithful member and deacon of Gospel Light Baptist Church where he dedicated his time to the Youth Ministry, Bus Ministry and Master Clubs. He was passionate about the Booster Club of Gospel Light Christian School and drove buses for the athletic department for many years. Driving a bus for any club or team brought great joy to his heart.

James was known for the biggest, kindest and most generous heart and the size of his smile matched that. He loved his family and church more than anything! When life became difficult, he leaned on them for strength and encouragement. In return, those he loved were blessed.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Williard Dowdy; daughters Melissa Torres (husband, Edwin) and Amanda Centers (husband, Adam); mother, Marian Rehberg Dowdy; brother, Chris Dowdy; and sister Donna Burton Brown. He was preceded in death by his father Jim Dowdy; and brother, Donald Wayne Burton.

A funeral service for James will be held at Gospel Light Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:00pm with Rev. Frank Shumate officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 1:30pm to 3:45pm, prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in James’s name to the Bus Ministry or Gospel Light Christian School at 890 Walkertown Guthrie Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Hayworth Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.

James is now with our Lord in Heaven where he is running freely with no thought of pain or sadness. May we rejoice in the knowledge that even though his time here was not enough, his time with Jesus has just begun.