Dowell Gray Eakes

Dowell Gray Eakes, age 72, of Sanford, NC, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at Central Carolina Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born in Lee County, NC on August 4, 1947 to the late James Chandler Eakes, Sr. and Sara Louise Weaver Eakes. Dowell was a 1965 graduate of Greenwood High School.  He attended Chowan College and served our country in the United States Army.  He served in Vietnam.  Dowell was a Professional Land Surveyor for over 50 years and was an active member of Lemon Springs Baptist Church serving on various committees including Sunday school teacher, choir member, Youth Council and was heavily involved with the NC Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief for 15 years.  He helped with many natural disasters across the United States.  Dowell also was a past member of the Lee County Planning Board, was on the Board of Directors for the Sandhills Baptist Association and coached many youth sports.

He is survived by his wife Patti Eakes; sons Matt Eakes and wife Lisa of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Mark Eakes and wife Janet of Smyrna, NC; daughter Jordan Moon of Sanford; brother James Chandler Eakes, Jr. of Ketchikan, Alaska; sister Norma Campbell and husband Roy of Salisbury, NC; and four grandchildren Chandler, Cameron, Griffin and Ella.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 8, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lemon Springs Baptist Church with a memorial service following at 2:00 PM with Pastor Anthony Foley officiating.

The family requests in lieu of flowers please consider donations to the NC Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.

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