Mr. Tomy Dowdy, Sr., affectionally known as Tom, age 84, a resident of Athens, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Blossoms Nursing and Rehab in Dierks, Arkansas.

He was born to Banks Afford and Veda Bryant Dowdy on December 21, 1941, in Langley, Arkansas. Tom was a retired contractor for Tyson, he was a Baptist and he was known to everyone as Papa. He loved riding horses and mules, tending to his cattle, he loved his dog and all animals, he enjoyed deer hunting, his family, grandkids, picking on people, especially if he liked you, he would always pick at you.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 38 years, Linda Newton Dowdy, a son-in-law, Jeff Miller, four brothers, John, R.A., William, and Banks, three sisters, Edna, Louise, and Ruby.

Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Lynn Winn Dishman of Hugo, Oklahoma; three daughters, Tina and Floyd Smith of Gentry, Arkansas; Trina Neal of De Queen, Arkansas; Terri Miller and Robert Holt of Van Buren, Arkansas; two sons, Tommy, Jr. and Kimberly Dowdy of Wickes, Arkansas; Troy Dowdy of Athens, Arkansas; a special nephew, Jimmy Little of Athens, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Jessica, Shaunta, Aaron, Naomi, Anthony, Carissa, David, Nacole, Charles, Donald, Dillon, Hailey, Marcus, and Mariah; 21 greatgrandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; one brother, James Dowdy, along with a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Tom Dowdy will be held, 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the Athens Holiness Church in Athens, Arkansas with Bro. Darrin Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Athens Cemetery under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the funeral home chapel. You may send an online condolence at www.chandlerfuneral.com, or visit Chandler Funeral Home on Facebook.