Arlie Ardell Dowdy, 88, of Piggott, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at the Northeast Arkansas Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Arlie was born Nov. 16, 1918, in Rector to the late Claude and Flossie Mae "Woods" Dowdy. He was married to Alma Clark of Piggott.

He worked and retired from Chrysler Corporation. He was a veteran of World War II, receiving the Purple Heart Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the American Defense Service Medal.

He is survived by his wife Alma Dowdy of the home; two brothers, Raymond (Blue) Dowdy of Detroit, and Jewel (Jack) Dowdy of West Plains; two cousins, Pete Dowdy and wife Inez, and Agnes Bell, all of Rector.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Varland Dowdy, Cloyce (Sugg) Dowdy, Claude Dowdy, Jr., and Billy R. Dowdy; two sisters, Reba Dowdy Miller and Veda Dowdy Kegler and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family visitation Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Piggott. The body was transported to Dalton, Ga., for a chapel service on Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Julian Peeples Funeral Home. Chapel services were followed by a service with military honors at the West Side Cemetery, Interment followed.

Arrangements were by Irby Funeral Home in Piggott and Julian Peeples Funeral Home in Dalton, Ga.