Rufus Walter “R.W.” McDowell

March 5, 1944 – July 7, 2018

Rufus McDowell, 74, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018, at Ivey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Scarborough officiating.  Interment will be at Calvary Assembly of God Cemetery.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com.

Rufus McDowell was born March 5, 1944, in Bainbridge, Ga., the son of Hugh D. and Addie Mae McDowell. He was a water pollution control operator and retired from the City of Bainbridge after 27 years. He enjoyed cooking, making homemade wine, and talking on the phone. When he wasn’t working in the yard, you could find him in his favorite camping spot or gathering with the family he dearly loved.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Ginger Smith McDowell of Bainbridge; his brother, James W McDowell (Barbara) of Andalusia, Ala.; and his nephews and nieces, Randy Earnest (Denecier), Bill Rathel (Missy), Jeff Rathel (Sharon), James W. McDowell, Jr. (Sherry), Casey Smith, Anna Devaul (Chanson), and Shannon Phillips (Ely). Rufus  was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jeaneva Goodwin; and his nephews, Daryl Goodwin and Sgt. Stacey Goodwin.