Sandy Jo Dowdy

Sandy Jo Dowdy, 51, of Guy, Arkansas, woke up in Heaven in January
29, 2026. She was born on September 23, 1974, in Heber Springs,
Arkansas, to Brenda Sue Dowdy and the late Johnny Murl Dowdy.

Sandy was a proud graduate of Guy-Perkins High School and lived a life
filled with joy, determination, and deep love for the people around
her. For 34 years, she was part of Independent Living Services, where
she formed lasting friendships and touched countless lives with her
warm spirit and bright smile.

She had a passion for Special Olympics and the community it gave her.
Sandy competed in 10 Special Olympics World Games in bowling, where
she earned a gold medal — an achievement she carried with pride. She
especially loved bocce and bowling. Sandy was among the first female
athletes to play floor hockey. She was always eager to try something
new and cheer on her teammates.

A faithful member of Guy Church of Christ, Sandy truly never met a
stranger. Her kindness, laughter, and gentle heart made everyone feel
welcome. To know Sandy was to love her. She was an avid Razorback fan
who never missed a chance to call the Hogs and faithfully wrote down
the scores of every game. She found happiness in life’s simple
pleasures — filling notebooks with her thoughts, playing cards with
family and friends, and sharing stories and laughter with those she
loved.

Sandy leaves behind a family who adored her and will forever cherish
the memories she gave them.

She is preceded in death by her father, Johnny Murl Dowdy; her Granny
Betty Griffith; Pap Paw Ober Griffith; Grandpa Elvie; and Granny
Bethel Dowdy, who no doubt welcomed her home with open arms.

She is survived by her loving mother, Brenda Dowdy; her brother, Jerry
(Dana) Dowdy; her nephew, Landon Dowdy; her niece, Madison Dowdy; many
aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends; and her longtime boyfriend
of 25 years, James McCullough. Their relationship was one of steady
love, companionship, and devotion.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those who cared
for Sandy and loved her like their own: Hazel Simpson, her house
parent; Kathryn Young, her roommate and friend; Independent Living
Services for their many years of compassionate support; the staff of
Ozark Rehab, including the nurses, doctors, and therapists; Conway
Regional Hospital; Dr. Ismail; and Dr. Thad Hardin. Your kindness and
care meant more than words can express.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM
at Greenbrier Wilcox Funeral Home, 108 N Broadview, Greenbrier, AR
72058.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM
at Guy Church of Christ, 34 Win Meadow Lane, Greenbrier, AR 72061.

Pallbearers will be Zachery Hartwick, Johnny Clay, Chase Watkins, Jeff
Glover, Davey Stephens, and Skyler Bradford.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tracy Dowdy, Dewayne Dowdy, Bill Dowdy, and Jimmy Colins.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations
be made in Sandy’s honor to Special Olympics Area 17 or Area 10,
organizations that meant so much to her. Contributions in her memory
would be deeply appreciated.