WAYCROSS — Mr. Estees L. Dowling “Papa T”, 88, of Waycross died Thursday night, February 13, 2025, at his residence after a brief illness.

He was born in Brantley County to the late Albert Dowling and Polly Melton Dowling. Dowling retired from the Jones Company. He worked in the retail grocery business in Waycross with Big Star Grocery Store and in Folkston with Big J Grocery Store. Along with his parents, he also was preceded in death by a daughter, Carla Kiser; a grandson, Zachary Kiser; two brothers, Lewis Dowling and Vernon Dowling; a sister, Christine Lynn; and an infant sister.

Dowling is survived by his wife, Viola Dowling of Waycross; six children, Terry Dowling (Beth) of Manor, Tony Dowling (Lisa) of Waycross, Roger Dowling of Waycross, Jesse Kiser of Waycross, Steve Kiser of Waycross, and Brandon Kiser of Waycross; grandchildren, Toby Dowling (Megan), Shan Cox (Kyle), Blake Ingles, T.J. Leveret (Lindsey), Brandon Dowling (Courtney), Courtney Neumann, Tori Neumann, Valarie Rogers, Vanessa Thrift (Gage), Rebecca Dowling, Nikki Thrift (Chad), Travis Kiser (Jesse), Kyle Kiser (Jessica), Brandi Kiser, and Jessi Kiser; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A funeral service was held Monday, February 17 in the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Kettle Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.