Michael “Big Mike” Dowell, born on Friday, September 4,1953, to Louis Jr. and Norma Jean (Borum) Dowell. 

He was a proud Dayton native who passed away at Ohio's Hospice of Dayton on Monday, August 25, 2025. He was 71.

Michael attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. He was the owner of a small lawn care business and took great pride in his work, especially in reshaping shrubbery to create unique, personal designs for his clients. Additionally, Michael was instrumental in collaborating with Jermaine, the proprietor of J's Lawn Care Service, located in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He also assisted several family members and friends in relocating to their new homes.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Neila Dowell Blankinship.

Michael is survived by his son, Adrian Michael Dowell; his brothers, Donald (Sylvia) Hall of SC, Dewitt Dowell of AL, and Terry (Daphne) Dowell of FL; his sisters, Olivia Knight, Carolyn Lee, Cynthia (Alfred) Payne, and Pamela (Robert) Thomas; his aunt, Carolyn Borum; and his uncle, Walter Seldon Sr. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.