Sammy W. Mcdowell

Sammy W. McDowell, 65, of Gap, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at his home.  He was the husband of Maureen O'Flaherty McDowell, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage.

Born in Union County, North Carolina, he was the son of Elizabeth Hargitt Benton and the late William McDowell.  Sammy served honorably in the US Navy.  He retired nine years ago as a Driver for A.T.I.  A resident of Monroe, N. C. until moving to PA seven years ago, Sammy was a member of both the American Legion of Christiana and New Holland.

He is survived by his seven children: James McDowell of Winston Salem, N.C., Tammy Herring of Shallotte, N.C., Sue Ann Owen of Charlotte, N.C., Dawn Soanes of Talmaget, PA, Diane Denton of Gap, PA, David O'Flaherty of Thorndale, PA and Kelly Rushing of Marshville, N.C.; 19 grandchildren, one great grandchild and two siblings, Johnny McDowell of South Carolina and Sue Cannon of Florida.

Memorial services will be held in North Carolina at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sammy's honor to the American Cancer Society, 1615 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com