Charles Buist Dowling III US Air Force Major (ret) 82 of Chapin died Wednesday February 26 2014 at his residence. Born on January 15 1932 in Johnstown PA he was a son of the late Charles Buist Jr. and Ruth Havener Dowling. Charles was a pilot in US Air Force and retired after 17 years as the Director of Safety at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. He was a member of Columbia First Seventh-day Adventist Church Lexington and was never happier than when he was at church. Charles enjoyed fellowship at the potluck dinners and also the many years he played the chimes at Aveleigh Presbyterian Church Newberry. Charles loved bowling and played in many leagues throughout his life. He was a gifted gardener taking cuttings and growing flowers which he delighted in sharing with friends in nursing homes. He grew the best Ladybank roses around and knew he could grow anything as long as you gave it water. He enjoyed playing the piano especially with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Mary Sue Buchanan Dowling of the residence; children Pam Smith (Marvin) of Seneca Curtis Dowling (Theresa) of Irmo Deborah Cook of Prosperity Charles Dowling (Jennifer) of Birmingham AL Karen Bond (Stewart) of Irmo and John Dowling (Tina) of Snellville GA; brothers John Dowling (Nancy) of Chapin and Bobby Dowling (Barbara) of Ecuador; grandchildren Christel Allred (Ike) Christopher Smith Rebekah Smith Ashley Miller (Brandon) Curtis Dowling (Taylor) Stephen Dowling Sandra Williams (Jake) Samantha Sammy Cook Preston Cook Allison Berry (Steven) Megan Dowling Tyler Dowling Kailey Dowling Vivian Dowling Charleston Dowling Erin Tarkir (Zach) Lauren Smith Kristina Smith Jessica Dowling John Dowling and Celeste Dowling; and great-grandchildren Cole Allred Ava and Eason Miller Jay Williams and 2 more great-grandchildren on their way. He was predeceased by his sister Agnes Keller. Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 AM Friday February 28 at Columbia First Seventh-day Adventist Church by the Rev. Glenn Altermatt. Burial did follow in Woodridge Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was held at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM prior to the service. Pallbearers were his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Merle Clevenger George Doying Ray Thomas Les Rilea Kevin Parker and Parker Parker. Memorials are suggested to WBAJ 890 AM 243 Riverchase Way Lexington SC 29072-9470. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Chapin is assisting the family.