Jerry David Dowdy

Jerry David Dowdy, 77, more affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Big Daddy”, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away on April 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication and commitment to family. Born in 1947 in Glennville, Georgia, to Willie Jo and Frank Dowdy, Jerry was known for his straightforward nature but was always accompanied by a dry wit that brought smiles to those around him.
 
After graduating Glennville High School, Jerry attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia graduating in 1970 with a degree in Forest Resources. Finding the field of forestry crowded and entry level jobs few and far between, Jerry’s journey in the pecan industry began. He joined Mascot Pecan Company, where he worked under his wife’s late father, Hugh Dalton Oliver. In 1971, Jerry, along with his father-in-law and a business partner, acquired the Atwell Pecan Company in Wrens, Georgia, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2021 (actually he said it owned him!). Jerry’s leadership and commitment to excellence in the pecan industry earned him the position of Chairman of the National Pecan Shellers Association, where he dedicated many years of service.
 
In 2008, Jerry and his wife, Susan, opened The Orchards Gourmet Nuts, Candies, and Gifts, where Jerry’s love for sweets and his knack for business flourished. While he was known for creating delicious treats, Jerry was also known as “Bigfoot” by many of his employees. As soon as something went wrong, Jerry appeared out of thin air, thus giving him this nickname.
 
Active in his church, Jerry served as a deacon at Louisville Presbyterian Church. He also served as a Director at First State Bank for 35 years, serving as Chairman of the Board for the last 17. He was a founding member of the Sid Newton Supper Club and rarely missed being at the absolute front of the buffet line when the prayer was over.
 
Despite his busy schedule, Jerry always made time for his family and his passions; he loved nothing more than riding his four-wheeler or hunting on his farm, relaxing with his family at Shellman Bluff, and fishing in Northern Canada at Laurie River Lodge whenever the opportunity arose. His adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors were infectious, and he made lasting memories with those he held dear killing two nice bucks last season, although we’re unsure if he tagged them both.
 
Additionally, Jerry was known for his love of mayonnaise, incorporating it into any meal applicable. He also had a deep appreciation for ‘the Sunday paper,’ sitting on his couch and reading it cover-to-cover even though he stayed several weeks’ editions behind. He also never missed a sale at Kroger.
 
While this request was denied on the spot, Jerry requested that we inscribe “He Tried.” on his tombstone. This simple phrase reflects both Jerry’s resilient spirit, as well as his dry humor, and it certainly deserves a mention.  Jerry always joked with Ed James about not shaking his hand because Ed may be "sizing him up."  Well, Jerry, Ed finally got the opportunity.
 
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Susan Oliver Dowdy; his children and their spouses, Dalton and Amber Dowdy and Sue-anna and Amos Maley; his grandchildren, Mary Dalton Dowdy, Jackson David Dowdy, and Susan-Laine Lefèbvre Maley; his siblings, Ben Dowdy, Mike Dowdy, and Linda Struthers and her husband, Carl, as well as numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues.
 
Jerry Dowdy will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his dedication to his family and his community, and his ability to bring laughter into the lives of those around him— whether or not intentionally. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will continue to live in his absence.
 
The Jerry Dowdy Family invites extended family and friends to visit with them at Jerry’s residence at 1505 Country Club Circle in Wrens on Tuesday, April 16th from 5 PM to 7 PM. A private burial will be held at a later date.