Gerald "Jerry" Dowd

Gerald “Jerry” Dowd passed away Monday afternoon, September 1, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born on February 7, 1940, in New York City. Jerry was the oldest of four boys.

After serving four years in The United States Marine Corps, Jerry attended The Academy of Television for Arts and Science. He went on to enjoy a remarkable 30-year career with The American Broadcast Company (ABC).

During his career with ABC, Jerry contributed to Network News, Good Morning America, four presidential inaugurations and National diplomatic hearings, including the historic Watergate hearings, space shuttle launches, and the Macey’s Thanksgiving Day Parades. Jerry covered an extraordinary arrange of sports, Major League Baseball, basketball, college and professional football, The World Series, championship boxing matches, PGA Tour events, The Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, and The Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

His dedication and excellence in broadcasting earned him numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards.

In 1980, Jerry was assigned to broadcast The ABC Regional Game of the Week at UNA. This was UNA’s very first televised game. It was there that Jerry met his wife, Julia Littrell. The two married in 1983 in New York City. 

On May 30, 1995, Jerry made his move from the Big Apple to Florence, Alabama, which he called The Renaissance City.

While in Florence, Jerry continued his work in television, taking on freelance projects with ABC. He directed many productions at The Shoals Community Theatre. In 2004, Jerry filmed and directed Follow the River: A History of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama, a film for historian William McDonald, this piece premiered at The Shoals Theatre. William McDonald referred to Jerry as his angel. In recognition of his work, Jerry was honored in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to historic preservation.

Jerry was a devoted member of Northwood Methodist. He loved the Lord and loved Northwood.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Julia Littrell Dowd; his brother, Eddie Dowd, his son, Chris Dowd, and his daughter, Jennifer Giulano his grandchildren, Gavin Dowd, Brody Dowd, and Antonio Giulano.

His stepchildren, Harper Hewitt (Marty); John Morris (Terri); his grandchildren, Katie Martin Hewitt, Peyton Hewitt, and Will Morris.

Services will be held on Friday, September 12, at The Northwood Prayer Garden at Northwood United Methodist Church.

The visitation starts at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 10:30.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those individuals at The Pearl Assisted Living and SouthernCare New Beacon, his visitors, and many friends.

Each one of you made such an impact on Jerry and his family.

Jerry’s life was one of service, devotion, and joy. His memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives he touched.

An online guestbook may be signed at greenviewmemorial.com.

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