William Anthony Dowless

William "Bill" Anthony Dowless, 51, of Eden passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, December 22, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Dowless was born on August 12, 1963 in Raleigh, NC, the son of Jack Dowless, Jr. and Ann Tarlton Dowless. Bill lived for 50 of his 51 years in Rockingham County, graduating from Morehead High School in 1981 and attending Rockingham Community College. As a youth, Bill was active in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Life Scout. Bill worked for many years as a foreman for Southeastern Industrial Painting and at the time of his death was self-employed as Dowless Painting and Decorating. He will be remembered as a highly skilled tradesman with knowledge spanning all areas of home and building maintenance. He held a deep love of music of all genres, especially the blues. Bill was a talented musician having played trombone with the Morehead High School band and for several years played guitar, sang and managed a local band, OldZkool. He especially enjoyed creating original songs for the band to perform which reflected his varied personal life experiences.

He is survived by a son, Jason Anthony Dowless of Wirtz, VA; four daughters, Nicole Lauren Dowless of Greensboro, Kayla Brook Alexandra Dowless Richardson and spouse, Jean, of Walnut Cove, Hailey Michelle Dowless of Eden, and McKenzie Cheyenne Dowless of Eden; three step-sisters, Alison Nicole Reid of Reidsville, Meleah Reid Banks and husband, Lane, of Chatsworth, GA, and Heather Reid Stewart and husband, Brian, of Mukwonago, WI; four grandchildren, Hayden Lucas Coye Dowless, Brooklyn Jean Dianne Richardson, Cora Sophia Jeanette Richardson, and Eugene Ray Richardson; father and step-mother, Jack and Jo Dowless of North Myrtle Beach, SC; mother and step-father, Ann and Steve Hanline of Blue Ridge, GA; brother, Kenneth Mark Dowless and wife, Patrea of Columbus GA; nephews, Kenneth Cameron Dowless of Columbus, GA, and Cory Alexander Dowless of Auburn, AL.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill's memory to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com