John Wesley Dowling Jr. died of natural causes in the comfort of his home on the Vineyard. He was 63.

He was born on April 28, 1946, in Monroe, La. He was a graduate of both C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He was a loyal and avid fan of the LSU Tigers throughout his entire life. He was also a Viet Nam Veteran who received three bronze stars and a medal of service.

He will be remembered and greatly missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Dowling and Jessie Mae Scaife Dowling. He is survived by his two loving daughters, Sarah Katherine Dowling Kendrick and Wesley Dowling Houtz; granddaughter Hannah Elizabeth Kendrick; brother Jim Dowling; nephew Craig Dowling and niece Jill Dowling.

A memorial service honoring his life was held on Thursday in Shreveport, La.