Tony Lavern Dowdy's Obituary
Mr. Tony Lavern Dowdy, age 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Muskegon, Michigan on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Heaven gained an angel as Tony entered with the smell of high-octane fuel and burnt rubber, clouds made of smoke, and surrounded by the hum of bipty, bipty, bipty. He was born in Muskegon on August 21, 1962 to William and Betty (Sidock) Dowdy. Tony, along with his wife, started Dowdy Automotive in 1986 and have owned and operated it for the past 39 years. Everyone that knows Tony knows he loved to live life to the fullest. He was a legend, the get in, shut up, and hold on, guy. When you were with Tony, you knew you were going to go fast and take chances, and more than likely, would encounter a “hold my beer” moment. Tony’s dedication to his business will forever leave a mark on the racing community and automotive industry. On March 3, 1983, Tony married the former Catherine Ann Sloan in Muskegon and she survives him along with their daughters, Sara Lynn (Corey) Flanery and Samantha Leigh (Curt) Johnson; grandchildren, Riley, Abigayle, Kayden, Abel, Jaelynn, and Ivan; bonus son, Hunter Moureau; brothers, Randy (Ranoda) Dowdy and Mike (Doris) Dowdy; sister, Joann Porter; many loving nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Ginger. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. VISITATION will be held from 5-8 PM Monday, January 27, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 and one hour prior to his service on Tuesday (2-3 PM). SERVICES will be 3PM Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at The Lee Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the family to help with funeral expenses. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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