William (Bill) Dowling

William (Bill) Dowling was born on February 8, 1939 to Peter and Ruth King Dowling in Elizabeth, N.J., who preceded him in death. He died peacefully at home on December 21, 2011 surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Bill was a dedicated employee of PPG Industries as a Territory Manager for 15 years representing Olympic Paint and Stain in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex Lowe's stores. He was a talented athlete excelling in basketball. While serving in the U.S. Army he was the MVP two years in a row. He coached his son and grandson in soccer and basketball and coached youth baseball. Bill also played on a men's softball, basketball and bowling teams. In his later years he found his passion for golf. Bill was compassionate, kind and so much fun to be around. He was also very proud of his Irish heritage and was a member of the Irish American Society. We will sorely miss him!

Bill's true love was for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law, friend and mentor to many. He is survived by his loving wife Mary, his children Allison (Mike) Miller, Maureen (Scott) Downing, Brian (Mara) Dowling his grandchildren Chase Cook (fiancé Shelly Dennis), Elizabeth Cook (fiancé Eric Gordon), Will Baldridge, Ryan, Kaleigh and Park Downing, Adeline, Kathryn, Josephine, Crandall and Lillian Dowling, great granddaughter Madilyn Cook, siblings, Eleanor (Tom) Lynes, Peter (Maria) Dowling, Kathleen (Sam) Reynolds, Ruth Dowling, Steven (Diane) Dowling and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sisters in-law.

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy Plano, Texas 75023. The rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 4015 S. Hampton Rd. Dallas, Texas 75224. Bill will be laid to rest at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery at 1:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Bill Dowling Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o the Frisco Education Foundation P.O. Box 567 Frisco, Texas 75034 or to VNA Hospice, VNA of Texas 2414 W. University Drive Suite 200 McKinney, Texas 75071. The family would like to thank the VNA Hospice Care staff for their dedication and commitment to Bill in his final moments.