John Vernon Dowtin, III, 68, died Sunday, May 5, 2013. He was a member of Highland Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was a Mason, and was retired from FedEx. A graduate of Treadwell High School, he also attended Memphis State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. He began a career in the trucking industry working for Sartain, Inman, Time DC and International Harvester. Mr. Dowtin was the owner of J.D. Transports and Dowtin Enterprises, an auto racing enthusiast and he owned and raced cars. He is survived by his son, John V. Dowtin IV of Memphis, TN; his life partner Lisa Alsbrook; sister, Carole Myracle of Memphis, TN; niece, Joy Richardson (Mark) of Memphis, TN and nephew, Danny Myracle of Pocohantas, AR. Mr. Dowtin is also survived by his extended family, Amy Alsbrook, Noel Alsbrook, Terri Knight, Marcy Richards, Ginger Hadley, Lori Dover, Anna Maegan Washington, David and Daniel Washington. Preceded in death by his parents Trilla and J. V. Dowtin. Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Forest Hill East Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2013 at the funeral home with interment in Memory Hill Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, #1584 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38119.

Forest Hill East Funeral Home 901-382-1000