James Ray Dowis

James Ray Dowis of Duncan, South Carolina, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 12. He was 93.

Ray was born on August 8, 1932, in Piedmont, SC, the son of James Milton Dowis and Elizabeth Lister Dowis, and grew up as one of five siblings in the Lyman mill village. In July 1954, he married Thelma Abercrombie, with whom he had three children: Anna Marie, Robin Kim, and James “Jimmy” Milton.

Ray spent the early years of his career at the Lyman Printing and Finishing textile mill. He went on to attend New Orleans Theological Seminary, and to pastor churches in Mississippi and South Carolina. Then, for many years, he worked as a security guard at Cryovac.

Ray adored his country and served as a member of the U.S. National Guard and National Guard reserves for a total of 34 years and eight months.

Ray enjoyed gardening and playing golf. An avid Byrnes Rebels sports fan, he became a fixture at games. He was an active member of Duncan First Baptist Church and enjoyed participating in the Truth Seekers Sunday School class there. He loved volunteering in his community and was named both Hospice Volunteer of the Year and BMW Charity Golf Volunteer of the Year.

He was preceded in death by siblings Jewel Mullinax, Mary Gregory, and Roy Dowis; wife Thelma Dowis; son Jimmy Dowis, and daughter Anna Dowis.

He is survived by his brother Jerry “Bud” Dowis, sister-in-law Nancy Dowis, daughter Kim Hautamaki (Gary), grandson Daniel Hautamaki (Katie), granddaughter Emily Hindman (Patrick), and great-grandchildren Sam, Annie, and Nora Hautamaki.

Ray was dearly loved and treasured by his family. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, enthusiasm for life, service to his country, commitment to his family, and fervent faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, who he now sees face-to-face.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Duncan First Baptist Church in Duncan, South Carolina.  Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Mitch Crow and Rev. James Shetley officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Wood Memorial Park in Greer, South Carolina

Serving as pallbearers will be Fred Mullinax, Keith Thomason, Donnie Wetzel, Max Sherbert, Kim Lanford, and Terry Darnell.

The Truth Seekers Sunday School Class will serve as honorary escorts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Duncan First Baptist Church, District 5 Backpack ministry, 103 East Main Street, Duncan, SC 29334.