Kenneth Stephen “Kent” Dowling Jr., age 57, of Sumner, passed away unexpectedly at his home on the morning of May 13, 2026, from a sudden heart attack. Graveside service was held Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. at the Kirkland Family Cemetery on Old Blundale Road in Midville with visitation to follow. Visitation was held Friday, May 15, at Chapman Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent was born September 29, 1968, in Atlanta, to Kenneth Stephen Dowling, Sr. and Marsha Betts Dowling. He was known for his huge heart, devotion to family, and the many friendships formed throughout his life. Kent grew up in McRae and graduated from Telfair County High School. He attended Georgia Southern University, where he studied and excelled in history. While attending GSU, Kent started a career in music. He worked at DeLoach‘s Music in Statesboro for six years, while also playing in several bands before forming Ella Speed with college friends. Ella Speed excelled in the music circuit, touring for over three years, averaging over 200 dates per year. Ella Speed self-produced album recordings, for which Kent played a major role as songwriter, singer, and guitarist. After the Ella Speed years, Kent moved to Tifton, Georgia, where he founded and operated Kent’s Music Store from 1999 til 2013. Kent’s Music was a true musician’s store, a congregational place offering quality instruments of all kinds, from all eras. Kent’s was a place where musicians met, jammed, hung out, shared stories, traded riffs, networked, and nourished lifelong friendships.
In 2000, Kent joined the Bo Henry Band, of which he was still a member at the time of his passing. Kent was a huge contributor to original albums and songs the band produced over the years, highlighting his stellar slide guitar work and amazing vocals. Most recently, Kent had partnered with Music Artist Pipeline/MAP Studios in McRae, a recording and artist development studio. This was a huge love of Kent’s. Kent was passionate and excelled at every aspect of the music business. Kent’s knowledge of vintage and modern equipment and instruments was unsurpassed. He was a promoter and supporter of innumerable musicians and projects. Kent helped so many musicians get started, always making the time to teach and offer advice regarding the music industry. He was a true songwriter and could sit-in and fit-in with any group of musicians at all levels. Most importantly, he had the “tone”, which so many of us will understand what that means.
Kent was vice chairman for the board of directors of Security State Bank in McRae, GA, Farmers State Bank in Dublin, GA, and Farmers Banc Sharers, Inc. Kent was a substantial contributing member of these entities, and along with other board members, was very instrumental in establishing the new Security State Bank building and development in McRae.
Most importantly, Kent was a giver and not a taker. His wife was the love of his life, and that was no secret. He cherished their time together at home. Kent loved his family and he loved his friends. He was a true servant. He always ran to a problem instead of running away and always chose to do what was right. The stories of his charity are numerous. To some, he was a counselor, and to all who knew him he was a great listener. His memory and influence will live on through all who knew and loved him and resonate through the music he left behind. Mr. Dowling is preceded in death by his grandparents, W.E. and Primrose Dowling and Eber and Myrtice Betts; and mother in-law, Runell K. Thigpen.
Mr. Dowling is survived by his parents; loving wife, Michelle Thigpen Dowling; sibling, James Troy Dowling (Laura); father-in-law, Andrew David Thigpen; as well as his extended family and his extended musical family members who will cherish his memory.
Durden-Hudson Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
