Oliver Torrence Dowling

Oliver Torrence Dowling, 70, of Morganton, NC, died Monday, September 19, 2011 at his residence. Born in Orlando, Florida, on December 21, 1940, he was the son of the late Oliver Perry "Pete" Dowling and Mildred Torrence Dowling. Oliver attended Clemson University and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1964. He came to Morganton to work for Drexel Heritage Furniture Company where he spent most of his career. Oliver enjoyed a variety of activities including hiking, camping, traveling, marksmanship, craftsmanship, woodworking, computer drafting, and gardening.Mr. Dowling is survived by his wife of 46 years, JoAnn Edwards Dowling of the home, sons, Jonathan Perry Dowling of Austin, TX, and Jason Torrence Dowling and wife Thersa, of Ijamsville, MD; and sisters Jeanne Fortune and husband Larry, of Jacksonville, FL, and Patricia Kellett and husband, James of Harrisonburg, VA.The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Michael Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. At other times the family will be at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.