Steven Ray Dowell, age 69, passed away in his home on August 30, 2025, with his daughters by his side. Steve was born August 2, 1956 in Waltham, Massachusetts, but spent the majority of his life in Florida and Mississippi. After his father retired from the Air Force in 1970, Steve, his parents, and his brother settled in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where Steve remained for the next thirty years. During his time in Florida, Steve was known for his love of surfing, sailing, and boat captaining. He returned to Florida many times over the years, specifically to participate in sail boat races such as Juana Good Time Regatta (Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill) and the Round the Island Race (Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club).

Shortly after Steve settled in Brandon, Mississippi with his family in 2006, he took up glider and powered airplane flying with the local club—Central Mississippi Soaring Society. Steve continued his passion for flying until 2022, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer and lost his eyesight due to surgery. However, this did not prevent Steve from continuing to show his love for flying and the friends he made through it by participating in the flying events and ultimately donating his glider to the Club.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Ray Dowell, his brother, David (Skosh) Dowell, and his uncle, Ralph Bates. He is survived by his former wife, Kelli Dowell, their two daughters, Bailey and Whitney Dowell, and his cousins, Bobby and Janice Bates.

A celebration of life will be held in Mississippi on September 5th at 5 p.m. in his hangar at 904 Northwood Circle, Brandon, MS 39047.

A celebration of life will also be held at the Fort Walton Yacht Club on a date to be decided soon.

The family expresses their gratitude to Terrie Ingram, Christine McDougle, and Ella Baker, who provided excellent and loving care to Steve in his last few weeks of life, and to the family's friends for the comfort and support they have provided during these difficult times.

In lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Head for the Cure Foundation (https://headforthecure.org/).