WILMINGTON — Percy “Ray” McDowell passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on October 18, 2022 at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center. As a loving brother, husband, father, and Papa; Ray was a constant source of strength and calm for his family.
Ray is survived by his two daughters and a son-in-law, Melissa and William Wright and Jennifer Langley, four grandchildren, Grainger, Josh and Lauren Wright and Tyler Langley. He is also survived by one sister, a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law, Patsy and Worth Lanier and Elsie McDowell and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, a brother Richard and a son-in-law Daniel Langley.
Ray was born in Kure Beach to Richard and Carnie McDowell on December 3, 1938. After growing up between Wilmington and Beulaville, he spent four years in the US Navy as a Sonarman. He went on to work in various manufacturing industries in the Wilmington area, including Dupont, where he met the love of his life. They married in October 1969. He then worked at W.R. Grace, Babcock and Wilcox, then settled at Corning, where he eventually retired after 14 years in 1998. In his younger years, Ray was an avid boater and fisherman, and he could grow enough vegetables in the backyard to feed the entire neighborhood.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel from 12:30 – 2:30 pm. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 pm Sunday at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
He will be missed dearly by all that knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers please donate in his honor to the cause of your choice.
