George Berton Dowling

George B. Dowling, 91, of Panama City, passed away Monday, October 8, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet D. Dowling and his daughter, Hope Dowling Dinkins. He is survived by 4 children: Jan D. Turner, Claire D. Delmonego, Christopher A. Dowling, and Joy D. St. Amant, eleven grandchildren Eleanore Delmonego Paramore, Stefanie Delmonego, Anthony J. Delmonego, Jennie V. Turner, Lauren St. Amant Sauls, Sarah Dowling Dixon, Aimee St. Amant Dale, Juliet Turner Rogers, Andrew T. St. Amant, Emily G. Dinkins, Caroline F. Dinkins, nine great grandchildren and brother Dr. Glen Dowling.

Born in Bradenton, FL, Mr. Dowling was a resident of Bay County, Fl for over 65 years. He moved here to accept a position at the navy base, the then newly designated U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Station. Previous to this he served his country in the Navy for 4 years – 2 years at the end of WWII and 2 years during the Korean Conflict - and received his B.S. in chemistry (Emory University), his M.S. in physics (Florida State University) and completed doctoral work towards a Ph.D. in physics (Florida State University). During his 32 year career at the base he was involved in mine countermeasures, special warfare, underwater acoustics, marine physics, and diving. Mr. Dowling’s role in the concept and development of many of these systems was crucial to the Navy, especially in acoustic swimmer detection. He pioneered the concept of oceanographic research towers which led to location of the Navy’s first oceanographic tower in Panama City. He originated the scientific engineering diving program at the base, known then as Coastal Systems Station (CSS), and was an aquanaut in SeaLabs II & III. Mr. Dowling is the author of more than 100 technical publications. After retirement from CSS he continued to work for government contractors and eventually as an entrepreneur consulting for the Navy on a variety of topics. Mr. Dowling was a proponent of math and science education providing tutoring services to young students anytime requested.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, December 1st at Alice’s on Bayview, 1000 Bayview Ave. Anyone wishing to pay condolences to the family may stop by between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. with the eulogy being delivered at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to be made to the Museum of Man in the Sea in Georges name. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted or viewed online at www.kentforestlawn.com.

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