William “Bill” Junior Downey, age 88, of Jackson, Ohio, went to be with Jesus on Monday, July 11, 2016.
He was born August 25, 1927 on the family farm on Jisco West Road to the late William Ernest and Elta (Beadle) Downey. He resided there his whole life, with the exception of his time spent serving in the U.S. Navy.
Bill is survived by five children: Shelly (Jeff) Argabright of Wellston, Ohio, Gary (Carman) Downey of Lima, Ohio, Paul Downey of Jackson, Ohio, Dale (Kim) Downey of North Carolina, and Jared (Shelley) Downey of Oak Hill, Ohio; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who will miss their Pap; brother, Marvin Downey of Jackson, Ohio; sister, Lucille Hutchison of Jackson, Ohio; and special nieces: Doris June Carroll, May Caldwell, and Mary Faith Spires who gave much needed support to him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Roberta Kathleen (Potter) Downey; eldest son, Terry William Downey; four brothers: Russel, Willard, and Gerald Downey, and an infant brother; sisters: Nellie McGhee, Violet Saylor, and Baby Geraldine; as well as an infant great-granddaughter, Alesha Gwendolyn Kay Warren.
After graduating from Jackson High School in 1945, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and left in August of that year from Hamden, Ohio. He traveled by train to Norfolk, VA and then on to NY and CT for more training. He then traveled by train to Stockton, CA for combat training and shipped out to the Philippines and Hawaii. After being discharged, Bill held several jobs including DT&I, U.S. Mail Carrier, and he joined his brother as a carpenter while they built several homes in Jackson. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and eventually his Master’s Degree, and then worked for Jackson City Schools for over 25 years. After retiring from his teaching career, Bill was the broker for Slavens Real Estate for many years.
Bill was a long-time member of Jackson Apostolic Church. He loved his church family and the building that he helped build.
Friends may call on Friday, July 15, 2016 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Richard Clark and Jeff Argabright officiating. Burial will follow in Downey Conley Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com