Michael Dee Dowis was a native of Royston, GA, born August 2, 1968. For the past decade he resided in Simpsonville, SC. When Dee passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016 he was only 48 years old and the world lost a truly genuine and kind soul.

Dee is survived by his wife, Tracie, who was the love of his life, his daughter, Madeline Grace, and his son, Grant Michael.  Dee is also survived by his mother, Helen Dowis Brown, and his sisters Phyllis Dawson and Sandra Fleeman as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father, Leonard Dowis, his stepfather Harold Brown, and a brother, Earl Dowis.

Dee graduated in 1986 from Franklin County High School in Royston where he began a football career that ultimately launched him to stardom during his college years. His speed and agility stunned opponents who often misjudged his smaller-than-average physical stature. Dee proved to be a standout quarterback for the Air Force Academy Falcons where he was varsity captain, Heisman Trophy finalist, Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and Academy Most Valuable Athlete. Former Air Force head coach, Fisher DeBerry said of Dee: “Pound for pound, he was one of the greatest, most gifted and talented players to have played the college game.”

In 1990, Dee graduated from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, with a BS degree in General Engineering. Upon graduation, Dee served his country while stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County Florida. Afterwards, Dee received his MBA from the University of West Florida in 1993. He returned to the Air Force Academy as a varsity football coach in 1995. After leaving the service, Dee had a long and successful career in pharmaceutical sales and governmental affairs at Pfizer Inc.

Among his many accolades Dee was inducted into the North Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the U.S. Air Force Academy Sports Hall of Fame, and the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame.

Dee lived his whole life with grace and remarkable humility. Most of his acquaintances were, in fact, unaware of his considerable accomplishments because he rarely spoke of them. 

Dee devoted his life to being a loyal husband and best friend to Tracie, loving and parenting his precious Maddie and Grant, and bringing joy to his many friends who cherished his infectious sense of humor and warm laughter.

Dee worshipped at Grace Church on Pelham Road in Greenville, SC where services will be held on Friday, September 2, 2016.  A Celebration of Life and visitation will be held between 11:30 am - 1:30 pm followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Dee's favorite charity: The Fisher DeBerry Foundation, 8235 Loganwood Court Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (www.fisherdeberryfoundation.org).

Coach DeBerry said it best: “Everybody in America had so much respect for Dee. His life was never about himself. All he wanted in life was to give back.”