Name of Deceased: Mr. John C. Dowling, Sr. Age: 77 Address: 886 Seminole Trail, Bamberg, SC Date of Death: Thursday, November 21, 2013 Circumstances: died at the Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg, SC Funeral Information: Time: 12:00 noon Place: Union Baptist Church, Bamberg, SC Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Burial Location: Apostolic Faith Church Cemetery, Govan, SC Officiating Minister: Rev. Bobby J. Donaldson **Mr. Dowling will be placed in the sanctuary one hour before the service. On Thursday, November 21, 2013 John C. Dowling, Sr. entered into eternal life at the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg County with his wife and daughter at his bedside. John C. Dowling, Sr. was born in Bamberg County on June 22, 1936, to the late Bishop Loly Dowling, Jr. and Mother Rebecca Counts Dowling. He obtained his education at the Middle Place (Govan, SC) and in the Bamberg County Public School System. John also took classes at Voorhees High School, Denmark, South Carolina. John was raised in a loving Christian home. He adored his parents who taught him the importance of obedience to God and hard work. John moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1957 with his wife, Ida Graham Dowling. While in New York he was employed at Maimonides Hospital, Brooklyn, as a housekeeping supervisor. There he helped many who migrated to New York from South Carolina to become gainfully employed. John was also the President of the Maimonides Tigers baseball team. He also enjoyed gospel singing, and would often share this gift with others through his singing in various quartet groups. John held various other jobs while in New York, such as being a self-employed chimney cleaner. He retired from K-Security in 1995. In 2000 he and his wife Ida returned to Bamberg, South Carolina to enjoy retirement. During his time in Brooklyn, NY, John was a member of St. Paul Community Baptist Church, under the teaching and preaching of God's word by the Reverend Dr. Johnny R. Youngblood. After returning home to Bamberg, SC, John joined Union Baptist Church. A loving husband to his wife Ida of 56 years, to this union, four children were born. Preceding him in death was one child Alphonso, grandson Alonzo, brothers McKinley, Willie James and son-in-law James. John leaves to cherish so many wonderful memories - a loving wife, Ida of Bamberg, SC; children: John C. Dowling, Jr. (Angela Mason) of Fairfax, VA, Minister Debra Daniels (Reggie) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Cynthia Gadson of Arlington, VA, daughter-in-law Carolyn; (12) grandchildren, (10) great grandchildren; mother-in-law, Mama Hermean Halyard Graham; (5) brothers: Bishop Edmond (Ruby), Thomas (Ella Mae), Laurie (Minister Deloris), Daniel (Gladys), Loly III (Ronnita); sisters: Lorean (David), sister-in-law Lillie, Mother Mae Alice (Billy), (6) sister-in-laws, (5) brother-in-laws, a host of aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Viewing for the public will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 am-8:00 pm at the funeral home.