Jimmy (Jim) Lee Dowell, Sr.

Jimmy Lee Dowell, Sr. passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice home in Dobson, NC, after a brief illness. Mr. Dowell was surrounded by those he loved and was at peace with everyone in his life. Jimmy was born on June 4, 1937, in Mt. Airy NC, to A.L. Dowell Sr, and Nanny Lessie Deatherage Dowell. The Dowells were one of the largest and most prominent families in the history of Surry County, Mr. Dowell was the youngest son, and the 14th child of the 15 that comprised the Dowell family. Jimmy served in the United States Army during 1955-57 and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return to Mt. Airy, he founded Jim Dowell Produce Company and was the owner/operator until his retirement after 50 years in business. The company was one of the largest local food service providers, and proudly counted the local city and county schools, the Triad Pizza Huts, Triad Food Lions, Triad Lone Star Steakhouses, Sonic Drive/In’s, Oh! Brian's Restaurants, and Spinnakers Restaurants among others, as its clients. Mr. Dowell had his own brand of country ham, Jim Dowell Country Ham, and was hugely successful with sales of that product, and was the vendor for many years for the Mt. Airy Band Boosters, and their popular ham biscuits associated with the annual Autumn Leaves Festival. He was also known for his trademark Christmas Fruit Baskets, which sold thousands every year, and were enormously popular. Mr. Dowell loved his business and his clients dearly. Jimmy married the love of his life, Carole Mitchell, in February of 1958. They had two children, Jim Dowell, Jr., and Glen Mitchell Dowell, Sr. Carole and Jim took great pride in their homes over the years, and the house on Main Street was particularly beautiful at Christmas, when cars would line up and drive by nightly to see the stunning Christmas tree twinkle through the beveled glass windows of the foyer. Later in their marriage, they bought land and a home in LowGap off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and turned it into Dowell Farm, another beautiful property where both remained through the end of their respective lives. They got great joy out of hosting picnics and events for others with their church families and friends. The pond in back was a popular place for many to fish over the years. Dowell Farm was also a supplier for decades for local nurseries, who sold the well-manicured and sought after boxwoods that were grown and harvested on the farm. Jim was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, and prior to that enjoyed many years at Mountain View Baptist Church. The friends and relationships built in both churches sustained his faith over the years. Jim accompanied Carole on some of her faith-based travels over the years. Countries included Ireland, Russia, China, Africa, England among others, but they were always happiest when they returned home. Mr. Dowell was preceded in death by his parents, 12 brothers and sisters, and the love of his life, Carole, who passed in 2021. He is survived by his sons Mitch Dowell of Ararat VA; Jim Dowell Jr of Greensboro NC; grandson Mitchell Dowell and wife Lexie, of Mt Airy; and grandson Alex Dowell and his fiancé Katie Hooker, of Mt Airy, NC. He is also survived by his sisters, Carolyne Dowell Churchill of Mt Airy, and Opal Dowell Marion, of Pfafftown. Mr. Dowell is also survived by his brother-in-law Norris Mitchell and wife Wendy, of VA; brother-in-law Larry Mitchell and wife Burline, of VA; and sister-in-law Linda Mitchell Fiedler and husband Forest, also of VA, and many special nieces and nephews from both the Dowell and Mitchell families. He never met a stranger and would always wish the best for those he encountered along the way. A celebration of life will be held in the chapel of Moody Funeral Home in Mt Airy, on Wednesday, August 26th at 11:00am. The Reverend Jay Meadows, and Reverend Richard Loman will speak, with music provided by Steve Jordan. The family will visit with family and friends also at Moody Funeral Home, on Tuesday August 25th, from 6:00-8:00pm. Any special stories or experiences shared with Jim over the years would be enjoyed. Memorials can be made in his honor to The Building Fund to either First Baptist Church of Mt Airy, NC; The Building Fund of Mountain View Baptist Church of Lowgap, NC; or in honor of Carole to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank Dr Minton and staff, the doctors and staff at Atrium Hospital of Winston Salem, and the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice at the Joan and Howard Woltz Home for their kindness and care. When you remember Jim, he asked that you remember his wife Carole, and know that they are now back together for eternity, which was his biggest desire following her passing. “For victory in life, we’ve got to keep focused on the goal. And the goal is to get to Heaven” ~~ Lou Holtz. Arrangements are entrusted to Moody Funeral Service of Mount Airy.