Grady Wilson Downs

DOWNS, Grady Wilson Age 86 years and eight months of Gallatin, passed away on April 30, 2009 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, MargAnna Nabors Downs of Gallatin; daughter, Gratia Downs Strother (John Thomas) of Hendersonville; grandchildren, John Wilson Strother and Bethany Charis Strother; sister, Lois Downs Bullard of Castalian Springs; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Early Downs and Mary Hatcher Downs; sisters and brothers-in-law, Earlene Downs Lemons (Lon), Inez Downs Byrd (Mitchell); brother-in-law, Harry Bullard and nephew, Steve Bullard. He was baptized March 21, 1937 and a faithful member of First United Methodist Church. He lived his life to prepare for his eternal reward. He was a graduate of Gallatin High School where he was a member of the Green Wave football team. He graduated from Andrew Jackson University on April 9, 1948 with a Bachelor of Accountancy degree, and from the International School of Advanced Accounting. He opened his accounting firm, being the first licensed accountant in Gallatin, and practiced for 43 years. He was a member of the Tennessee Society of CPA's, Tennessee Society of Public Accountants, and served in various offices in each. He served on the Tennessee State Board Accountancy. He was a United States Army Veteran, having served in World War II from December 27, 1942 until January 28, 1946 as a member of the 476th Anti-aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. He received a World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, AP Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and one Bronze Star GO32 Headquarters USA FFE 45, and Distinguished Unit Badge GO42 Headquarters 6th Army 45. He was a life member of the VFW and Post 17 American Legion. He will be remembered as a man who dearly loved his family and friends, and was always grateful for God's many blessings in his life. Funeral service will be Saturday, May 2nd at 12 Noon, from the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home, with Rev. Franklin Downs, Rev. Carleton Thackston and Rev. J. Lorin Pedigo officiating. Interment is at Crestview Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday, 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 149 West Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066. ALEXANDER FUNERAL HOME, (615) 452-2324.