Adrian J. Dovell

Adrian Dovell of Gainesville died Feb. 27, 2017, after a six-month battle with leukemia. He was a retired postal clerk. Adrian was born January 18, 1943, in Gainesville, grew up there, and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1961. He attended Florida State University and served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1965. He met the love of his life, Patricia Sprague, in 1969 while playing bridge at the UF bridge club. They were married in 1971. Adrian graduated from UF in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Adrian worked at the Florida Athletic Company and Munford, Inc. in the 1970's. He began his career with the postal service in 1978. He worked in mail processing for 13 years and became a window clerk at the downtown post office in 1991. He remained in that position until his retirement in 2006. Adrian and Patricia enjoyed traveling, playing tournament bridge, and visiting their two sons and three grandchildren. They visited six of the seven continents on their trips and cruises. They played in bridge tournaments all over the country, winning many sectional and regional events and one national championship, the Grand National Teams, Flight A, in Washington D.C. in 2002. Adrian and Patricia moved to Forest Ridge in NW Gainesville in 1979 and lived there ever since. Adrian was predeceased by his parents, J.E. (Jud) Dovell and Lois Daane Dovell. He is survived by his wife Patricia, and sons David of Boynton Beach and Daniel of Boca Raton. David and his wife Sanaz have three children, Ryan, Ruby and Joshua. Adrian is also survived by three sisters: Alma Dovell Mayo of Gainesville and her husband, Sanford; Beth Dovell of Micanopy and her husband, Joe Hartman; and Catherine Dovell of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and her husband, Carey Sublette. Also surviving are four nephews, one niece and their children. Besides playing bridge, Adrian's favorite pastimes were watching sports on TV and reading. His favorite teams were the Florida State Seminoles and the Cleveland Indians. He liked to read biographies and history books, especially those about WWII. Adrian was a long-time leadership supporter of the United Way of North Central Florida. He was a loyal contributor to the Lifesouth Community Blood Center, where he donated over 10 gallons of blood. The family will receive guests for a visitation on Sunday, March 5, from 6-8 PM at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32609, 352-378-2528. The funeral service is scheduled for Monday, March 6, 2017 at 10: 00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way of North Central Florida at 6031 NW 1st Place, Gainesville, FL 32607. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home. Please visit www.forestmeadowsfh.com to leave online condolences.

Adrian J. Dovell

March 2, 2017