Age 88, Luray, Va.
George Thomas Dowrey Jr., a beloved resident of Luray, Virginia, passed away peacefully at Winchester Medical Center, in Winchester, Virginia on July 6, 2025.
George is survived by his wife, Cynthia Long Dowrey; a sister, Carol LaRocca; and his sister-in-law, Roberta “Bobbie” Thomas and husband Don.
He had three children from his first marriage, George Dowrey III and wife Pam, Derek Dowrey Sr. and wife Glendora, and Deanna Jenkins and husband Robbie.
He is also survived by his stepson, John Beahm; his nephews, Brent Buckley, David Buckley, Brian Buckley, and Daniel Baker and partner Charlene; and his niece, Brandi Lilly and husband Andrew. He also had three great nephews, Noah Lilly, Eli Baker and Callen Baker.
He cherished his grandchildren, Shera Jenkins-Pierce and husband Matt, Lindsay Orebaugh and husband Tyler, Jared Jenkins and wife Suzanne, George Dowrey IV and wife Morgan, Derek Dowrey Jr. and wife Brenna, and Dr. Jordan Dowrey and wife Teel; and his great-grandchildren, Kyler Jenkins, Lincoln Billhimer, Gracie Orebaugh, Everly Jenkins, Carter Orebaugh, Aubrey Jenkins, and George Dowrey V, will carry on his legacy.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Dowrey Sr.; his mother, Edna Dowrey; his brother, Charles “Chuck” Dowrey; his first wife, Carlos (Rowe) Dowrey; his sister-in-law, Joyce “Joy” Louderback Rowe; a stepdaughter, Marsha Beahm; and his niece, Karen Buckley McGillan.
George graduated from Southern Mississippi University in 1959 with a degree in Zoology and a minor in German. He then joined the Marine Corps, serving two years of active duty. During this time, he married Carlos Marie Rowe of Luray, Virginia. After leaving the military, George and Carlos moved to Luray, where they raised their family. He joined the National Park Service as a ranger at Dickey Ridge Visitors Center in Shenandoah National Park. After several years as a business consultant, he accepted a science teaching position at Luray High School for Page County Public Schools. Upon retiring from teaching, he returned to the National Park Service as a ranger at Big Meadows Campground along the Skyline Drive.
George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and great-grandfather, who loved the outdoors. He chose to live near Lake Arrowhead, at the base of mountains of the Shenandoah National Park, where he could see the Skyline Drive that he loved so much. He enjoyed giving tours to park visitors, describing the plants, flowers, and wildlife. He was also a Master Gardener. He enjoyed weightlifting and watching bodybuilding competitions admiring his favorite, Frank Zane. He had a beautiful tenor voice and took voice lessons for seven years, singing to his favorite opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti.
He was a member of the Luray United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for over 30 years.
After losing his first wife, Carlos, to illness after 27 years of marriage, he married Cynthia Long Beahm. They were married for 39 years and shared a love for travel and making and selling crafts. George was the “cutter-outer” and Cindy was the “painter upper.” They spent many happy years in their workshop and at craft shows.
George will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Raise a glass of unsweet tea in his honor.
A private service will be held. Donations or gifts in memory of George can be sent to the Page County Animal Shelter or the Luray VFW for their part in the family service.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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