Bernard Dowling

Bernard Dowling, 84, of Florence, SC, passed away Friday, July 24th, 2026. He was born September 25, 1941 to Bernard Dowling Sr. and Helen Dowling in South Amboy, NJ.

He is survived by his Wife, Linda Dowling; his sister, Carol Galley; his son, Brendan Dowling; daughter-in-law Danielle Dowling and his grandchildren Karl and Isla Dowling; his daughter-in-law Andrea Maddox-Dowling and his grandson Aidan Dowling.

Bernard spent his early years after high school working on a coal barge and playing in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He joined the Army Reserve and served in the motor pool for a number of years. He found himself working for the DuPont Parlin plant while raising a son and managing an antique store by the bay, alongside his wife. In 1980 the family pulled up stakes and moved to Florence.

His true passions in life were the Drum and Bugle Corps and saltwater fishing. Bernie also had a passion for the migratory birds which traversed the country. He spent a great deal of attention on the Orioles which visited annually. He also gave much of himself in kind actions without expectation of repayment or recognition. When hurricane Hugo decimated much of the coast in ‘89, Bernard and some of his fishing friends went to McClellanville to aide the families of their favorite place to put in. Always there with an unexpected joke or witty return, he could make you laugh when least expected.

The family will be having visitation Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home in the chapel.