Billy Earl Downing

Billy Earl Downing, 70, of Valdosta, GA, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 after a brief illness. He was born in Wellborn, Florida on October 7, 1944 to the late J.V. and Merle Downing. Mr. Downing lived and farmed most of his life in the Ousley community of Lowndes County. He graduated from Lowndes County High School in 1962 and afterward, served in the United States Army for two years completing his tour of duty as a military police officer stationed in Saigon, Vietnam. The remainder of his life was dedicated to his family and the farming operation shared with his father and brother. He enjoyed walking the field near his home and his longtime canine companion, Sam. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. Downing is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Hazel Downing; nephew, Kevin Downing, niece Melinda and husband Tony Miller, and great niece and nephew, Janey and Jon Jon Miller all of Valdosta. Additional survivors include two aunts, Lois Walker of Mayo, Florida and Sarah (Fred) Hildebrandt of Grosse Ile, Michigan; one uncle, Marcus Gramling, Jr. of Valdosta and many cousins and friends.

At Mr. Downing's request, no services will be held. The family will commit the cremains privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in his memory to Langdale Hospice House, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, Georgia 31602, Redland Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Building Fund, 4888 Rocky Ford Road, Valdosta, Georiga 31601, or to a charity of one's choice. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602