William Hampton Dowling III's Obituary
William Hampton Dowling III crossed over into Glory to be with his Lord on March 22, 2018.Born on December 6, 1950 in Fort Myers, FL, he attended Tice Elementary, Lee Junior High School, Fort Myers High School, and Lee VoTech, graduating in 1969. Bill then served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.He fell in love with Carmalita Edenfield when they were just in grade school. They were married for 45 years and shared a life of trials and triumphs and an everlasting love.They began their life together in Dallas, TX, where Bill opened B’s Automotive and was successful for 17 years. While living in Dallas, they were blessed with two children: Evan and Lyndsey. They moved back to Fort Myers for a few years before moving to Cochran, GA, where Bill opened another B’s Automotive, and served that community for ten years. They made their way back to Fort Myers in 2002, where Bill retired from the business world, but not from work. Ever the entrepreneur, Bill always had creative ideas not only to benefit himself, but also to help those in business around him.Bill loved to work on anything with an engine. He enjoyed watching street racing, cooking shows, and home remodeling shows. He also loved going to the grocery store, always searching for the best deal using his coupons. Over the past 15 years, he became an excellent cook and his gift of hospitality was shown to his family and friends. He enjoyed yard work and growing plants of all kinds. He was gifted in many areas and was generous in helping others.He would say to you: Receive the love Christ offers you and be reconciled to God. For Christ took our sins upon himself so that we will never have to pay the penalty, but have everlasting life. Bill is now in the presence of Jesus, where there is fullness of joy.He loved his God, family, and the people that were brought into his life. His children and grandchildren were his treasure and he was so very proud of them. He leaves behind his wife, Carmalita Edenfield Dowling; son, Evan K Dowling and Rachel; daughter, Lyndsey R Lewis (his “Turtle Dove”) and Jeremy; grandchildren, Noah, Jonas, Arlie, and Seamus; brother, Henry Singleton and Joann; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907, (239) 936-0555.
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