Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.  A time to be born and a time to die.

John Curtis Dowling, Jr. was born August 14, 1958 in Brooklyn, New York.  On Sunday, May 3, 2020, after a brief illness, Curtis passed away peacefully.  He was the eldest child of the late John C. and Ida (Graham) Dowling.

He was educated in Brooklyn, New York's Public Schools – P.S. 5, and Decatur Junior High School.  As a young boy, Curtis was a proud Cub Scout in Troop #197, where his mom was Den Mother.  He graduated from Franklin K. Lane, High School (Class of ____) and a member of Franklin K. Lane's Basketball and Bowling Team.  After high school Curtis attended Sullivan Community College in Upstate, New York.   He worked various jobs, and had a passion for Summer Youth Basketball in the community.  Eventually he made the decision to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1982-1985.  As he climbed the ranks, unfortunately, his health interrupted his military career. As a Private First Class (Riflemen) he was honorably discharged.

In the early 1990's he moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia for a new lease on life. In this new adventure, he lived with his sister and brother in law. Over time, Curtis found an interest in computers.  He was employed at Sprint for over 25 years. As a testament to his work ethic, his career at Sprint started in the mailroom and he would work his way up the corporate ladder to Network Security.  To cultivate his interest for computers and telecommunications, he attended the Computer Learning Center in Alexandria, Virginia (Computer Electronics Technology and Network Management).  Thereafter, he continued his education at Strayer University and attained a Bachelor's degree.  Upon his death he was employed with CenturyLink as a Telecommunications - Operations Technician, Arlington, Virginia.

Curtis loved music and was an avid reader of newspapers in print or online. He stayed abreast of current events via the New York Post, the New York Times and the Times & Democrat (South Carolina).  Education was very important to Curtis.  He wanted not only his children, but his nieces and nephews to be the best they could be and excel academically.  He was extremely passionate about the needs and welfare of his entire family.  This character trait at times caused him to take care of other's needs, before taking care of himself.  His family will remember Curtis because of his loving spirit. Goddaughter Elizabeth will remember his expressivness and sense of humor.  His oldest niece said "I will remember Uncle Curtis' stories.  He had stories for days and I've never heard the same one twice."  Curtis loved spending time with his family (immediate and extended), and loved having good conversations.  He and his family traveled wherever family reunions took them over the years. As a result, his family has fond memories of their vacations and their time shared together. He was a devoted father; his children were his pride and joy. John Curtis Dowling, Jr., was most affectionately known as Curtis, Daddy, Hunney and Uncle Buck.

In 2001 he met Angela Mason, in love, the two made a life together; as a family they lived with their children in Fairfax, Virginia. In August 2004, Curtis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He was baptized and became a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Fairfax, Virginia.

Preceding him in death is his father, John Dowling, Sr. his mother, Ida Graham Dowling, brother Alphonso Dowling, grandparents Bishop Loly and Rebecca Dowling, and Deacon Monnie (Sr.) & Hermean Graham, nephew, Alonzo Dowling, and brother in law, James Gadson.

Our beloved Curtis leaves to cherish a host of loving and wonderful memories – love of his life Angela Mason of Fairfax, VA, children: Elise Hope Dowling, Demetrius Allen Dowling, stepchildren Antwon Hundley and Keyria Rogers, sisters: Reverend Debra Daniels (Reggie) of Parker, Colorado, and Cynthia Gadson Hagerstown, Maryland;(9) nieces and nephews, (14) grandnieces/nephews; a cousin that was like a brother Leslie Odom, Sr. (Yvette), goddaughter Elizabeth Stanford (Gordon), loving grand aunts, aunts and uncles (maternal and paternal) and a host of dear cousins, and friends.