Master Sergeant Leon Cornell McDowell, Sr.

Master Sergeant Leon Cornell McDowell Sr., 74, of Gibsonton, FL, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Love First Christian Center, 12847 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, FL 33579, with Pastor Dr. Jomo Cousins, Officiating.  Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 US Highway 301 N, Thonotosassa, FL 33592.

Leon was born and raised in Cleveland, OH.  Leon served 26 years in the U.S. Army.  During his time, he served three tours in Vietnam and one tour during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In 1997, He retired as a Master Sergeant, a rank that reflects his leadership, courage, and dedication to his country.

In 2003, Leon decided to serve his country in another capacity. He became a Civilian Army Contractor and served three tours in Iraq. He then transferred and began serving a tour in Afghanistan, where he suffered a massive stroke. After suffering several strokes, he required 24-hour care, which he received from his devoted wife and children. Their love and support honored the same strength and commitment Leon showed in the military. He fought like a warrior for many years.

Leon enjoyed traveling and running. Talked a whole lot of smack in a game of spades. Could literally break a table when dropping dominoes, and would nearly start a fight when playing bid whist. Don’t even get me started on basketball; this joker thought he was the next Michael Jordan. He loved music, and it shows in his music collection. He loved his family and doted on his children. He was a man of great character and never met a stranger. Those who knew him well knew that he loved to tell jokes. To the point at times, it was nerve-wracking. He was just that person who loved family and a good barbecue.

Growing up in a household with a grandfather as a Pastor, Leon knew the Lord well.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Driskell and Eula McDowell; and siblings, Eugene McDowell, Andrew Turner and Patricia Turner.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Traci McDowell; his children, Chaquintia (Darius) Davis, Anthony Robertson Jr., his namesake, Leon McDowell Jr., and Jada McDowell, all of Gibsonton, FL; his four precious grandchildren, Kaden Smith of Bedford, TX, Quin’Darryn Davis, Darius Davis, and ChiNyah Davis, all of Gibsonton, FL.

He will be lovingly remembered by his four sisters, Mary Dunn of Eutaw, AL, Leovetta Singleton of Euclid, OH, Gayle McDowell and Rhonda Mobley, both of Cleveland, OH; his brother, Kenneth McDowell of Cleveland, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and cherished friends.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories he created will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Love First Christian Center, 12847 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, FL 33579.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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