Obituary of Verlis AJ Dowd

Verlis AJ Dowd, aged 86 years old, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in Yuba City, California. He was born on June 15 1937 in Flippin, Arkansas, the only child of Rachel and Earl Dowd. When he was 8 months old, his family migrated to California eventually settling in Oroville where he was a proud resident of the city and a 1954 graduate of Oroville high school. He attended Chico State College and married Sharon Frakes in 1958 and had four children. He and his father, Earl, started Dowd’s Floor Covering in Oroville and eventually opened up Dowd Interiors in Yuba City. Through hard work and dedication, he expanded Dowd Interiors to Colusa, Chico and the main store in Live Oak. He moved his young family to Gridley in the mid 70’s.

Verlis’ family was his passion and he was a loving husband, supportive father and doting grandfather.  He loved the game of golf with all his heart and found inspiration in its challenges.  Verlis made people feel good about themselves and enjoyed socializing. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, son Steven (Debbie Thompson), daughter Roxanne (Mark Haddy), son Jeff, and daughter Jody; grandchildren, Stephanie and Steven Earl Dowd, Michael Millner (Denise Palma), Ciaira Guhl, Emery Haddy (Megan Anthony), MJ and Ellie Dowd, and great grandchildren Hayley, Adalyn and Reagan Millner.

A celebration of life will be held sometime in the future.

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.