William Minor Dowler

William (Bill) Minor Dowler, 92, surviving spouse of Dorothea Dowler, died February 9, 2025 at Oconee Memorial Hospital of Seneca, SC. Born November 10, 1932, in Birch Tree, MO, he was the son of the late Paul and Lillian Dowler. He was retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a U.S. Army Veteran.

Bill attended the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois which led to a career as a plant pathologist. He studied peach tree diseases at Clemson and then served on the National Program Staff in Beltsville, MD, with responsibility for programs in plant pathology and nematology. He retired from USDA as Laboratory Director for the Foreign Plant Disease Laboratory at Frederick, MD. His responsibilities included cooperative work with China and Spain as well as many state programs.

Upon retirement Bill became active in the local Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, serving as Treasurer for more than 10 years. His great delight was when a family paid off their mortgage on their Habitat home. He was also active in the Clemson United Methodist Church, especially for the encouragement of the Adult Discussion Class and their outreach service.

Survivors include sons, Paul (Keli) of Farmington, UT; David (Sarah) and grandson Jackson of Portland, OR; and Michael (Connie) of Los Gatos, CA; brothers Wesley (Emma) of Mexico City, Mexico; Sisters Betty Hall (Harry) of Lexington, KY; and Laura Ann Zahn (Frederick) of Clever, MO; Sister-in-Law, Katie Dowler; plus, numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Dorothea, and brother Ben.

A memorial service will be held at Clemson United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The family will receive visitors following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 412, Clemson, SC, 29633, or to Clemson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 590, Clemson, SC, 29633.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.