David Lee McDowell, 58, of Velva, N.D., and formerly of Dawsonville, died April 16, 2015.

David was born on June 29, 1956 in Okinawa, Japan, to Junior and Mitsuko McDowell.

He moved with his family to the United States in 1972, and graduated from McEachern High School in Marietta.

As a young adult, David resided in Marietta, and was self-employed as a residential framer.

David married Pamela Akin on Dec. 10, 1977 in Marietta.

They made their home in Dawsonville, where he owned and operated OSAE Group Inc., a construction company that specialized in home building.

David especially enjoyed working with, and teaching, his sons the art of home building and woodworking.

David moved to Velva three years ago, where he rejuvenated several homes in Minot, following the flood of 2011.

David's son, Joshua, had recently joined him, and they were subcontracting work for several Minot companies, where they specialized in flooring and upgrades.

David especially enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

His father preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Pamela; children, Joshua McDowell of Velva, Rhiannon and Kyle Killinger of Dahlonega, Marshal and Lisa McDowell of Dawsonville; granddaughters, Sophia and Keilani McDowell, Reagan Killinger, Elisabeth McDowell; mother, Mitsuko McDowell of Marietta; siblings, James McDowell of Snellville, Nancy McDowell of Marietta; various other relatives also survive.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial cookout from 11a.m.-3 p.m. June 28 at Thompson Creek Park in Dawsonville.

Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot, N.D. is in charge of the arrangements.