Eugene Dowling was born December 4, 1932 in Bamberg County, South Carolina to the late Deacon Harry Dowling and Deaconess Mamie Lee Grimes Dowling. Eugene attended Voorhees School and Junior College. He then transferred to South Carolina State University. He was a part of the graduating class of 1954 and recently celebrated his 70th class reunion. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957 in Germany.

During his term of service, he met Lena Mae White while she was a teacher in Bamberg, South Carolina. They later married on June 4, 1960. Eugene and Lena settled in Westbury, New York where they raised four children: Gelene (William Graham) of Westbury, New York; Sheryl of Chesterfield, Virginia; Christopher of Forest Hills, New York; and Donna of Summerville, South Carolina. Before Lena's passing, they had celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Eugene worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. He retired as a General Manager at the John F. Kennedy Airport Air Mail Facility in Queens, New York. He was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Westbury, New York. He was an active member of the Masonic Temple and Shriners Club in Queens, New York.

Once retired, he wore many hats in both New York and South Carolina. He was a brick mason, farmer, butcher, book keeper, fisherman, card player, and an unsolicited, unapologetic comedian. After retirement, he left New York and brought his wife Lena back to the family estate in Bamberg, South Carolina and built their retirement home. Once settled, they then joined Orange Grove United Methodist Church in Bamberg, South Carolina, where he served faithfully. Also, he affiliated himself with Bamberg Lodge No. 40., where he served as Worshipful Master.

Eugene was preceded in death by his wife Lena Mae, brothers: Morgan, Willard, Dosco, Alphonso, and Alonzo Dowling. He is survived by his four children, five grandchildren: Christopher Lacey, Lauryn Graham, Briana Hunter, Zaria Graham, and Adira Graham; his brothers Thomas and Jeffrey Dowling (Bessie); sisters Eartha Lee Goodwin, Bessie Green, Constance Ferguson, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Eugene valued his longtime standing friendships and was known to make unannounced visits, lasting from ten minutes to multiple hours. Rest in eternal peace Gene, Pop, Daddy, Buddy, Grandpa, Uncle Gene, Mr. Gene, Mr. Dowling. You will forever be loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7012, in memory of Eugene Dowling.