Eugene (Gene) Talmadge Dowd, age 93, passed away Monday, January 1, 2024, surrounded by his friends and family at Magnolia Manor in Richmond Hill, Ga.

Gene was born on August 19, 1930 in Lyons, GA to Nick and Clyde Dowd.   Enlisting in the United States Army at 17, he dedicated 20+ years to his country serving tours in Japan, Germany, Korea, and Turkey.  While in Korea, he was wounded while serving in the Korean conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart.  Gene was very proud of his military background and loved meeting and talking with young servicemen whenever he could.

After his honorable military career, Gene went on to work for and retire from the U.S. Postal Service in Hinesville, Ga where he lived for 49 yrs.  While in Hinesville, he was a Master Mason at Masonic Lodge 271.  The last 5 years of Gene's life were spent in Richmond Hill, Ga.  He cherished his time in Richmond Hill, where he had so many wonderful friends.  His favorite place to hang out was the Sunshine restaurant where he was known by everyone as "Papa Gene".

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Omasa Dowd.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Teresa Dowd;  son Bobby Dowd;  his two sisters, Becky Peebles (Earl) and Mary Lanphear; and his three grandchildren, Nick I. Dowd, Taylor Dowd, and Olivia Dowd.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Richmond Hill Funeral Home.

A private burial will be held on Friday at the Georgia Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.

Gene's family wishes to express their gratitude to his wonderful caregivers, Donna Garcia, Diane Bruce, Montica Hart, Pat Bashlor and the caring folks at Magnolia Manor.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, Ga  31406.