We encourage all family members and friends In the spirit of Michael's laid-back style, we encourage attendees to the funeral service that will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 to please wear baseball hats and casual attire of their choice, reflecting his unique personality. Michael Fitzgerald Dowdy, affectionately known as "Gerald," was born on November 16, 1966, in Chester, South Carolina, to the late Mr. Willie Dowdy and Ms. Evelyn Roberts Dowdy. On Friday, July 18, 2025, at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina, God peacefully called him home. Michael began his educational journey at Mt. Olive Baptist Church Kindergarten and continued at Chester elementary school. He later relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he attended White Law Reid Junior High School and Boys and Girls High School. At an early age, Michael was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Blackstock, SC. As Michael grew older, he developed his own personal relationship with the Lord. His love for Christ radiated reflecting in his kindness, gentleness, laughter, and love for others. Throughout his life, Michael worked in various roles and was known as a hardworking and  dependable individual. Nine years ago, he relocated to Rock Hill, SC, where he embraced new friendships and community. In his final days, Michael was surrounded by the warmth of his family. He shared precious moments with his sister Durenda and brother-in-law Sharrieff whose presence always brought a smile to his face every time he walked in the room. He loved bonding with family over Marvel movies and chatting with Emma Lee. He lit up when reminiscing with his god-sister Victoria Bell and Sheriece Drummond about life in New York City. Calls from his beloved Uncle James, his cousin "Button," and his brother Kevin uplifted him during those tender moments. Michael was a big fan of movies, comic books, and loved to collect them. He was full of humor and style. He was known for his fashionable dressing. He was a praying man and knew the Word of God for himself. Michael spreaded the Word of God and witnessed to many over the years. Even though Michael faced challenges, he still loved the Lord and found time to talk about God. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Evelyn Dowdy; his infant sister, Chiquita Spring; god-brother Arvell  "Derrell" Bagley; maternal grandparents, Leon Cleveland Roberts and Emma Roberts McCollough; cherished uncle Cleveland "Ba Ba" Roberts; and beloved cousins Janie Murphy "Bess" Holly and Ervin Murphy. Michael leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by his siblings: Kevin Dowdy, Durenda (Sharrieff) Johnson, and Bernard Dowdy of Brooklyn, NY; Elizabeth and Christopher Dowdy of Elizabeth, NJ. Uncle James Melvin Roberts of Paterson, NJ, and Willie (Rosetta) Roberts of Chester, SC. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews: Chiquita Bush, Ziana Dowdy, Horatio Johnson, Shammah Johnson, Anna Johnson, and Malachi Dowdy — all of Brooklyn, NY; one great-niece, Sky'lynn Hardy, and a host of Murphy and Bagley family members, other loving family and caring friends.