William Harrison Downs

FUNERAL HOME

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel - Hinesville

308 West Oglethorpe Blvd.

Hinesville, Georgia

William Downs Obituary

William Harrison Downs, 88, of Hinesville, died Monday morning, March 24, 2014, at Hospice Savannah.
The last of six children born to Alonzo "Lonnie" A. and Ethel W. Downs in Allenhurst, he served 26 years in the U.S. Army during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, before retiring back to Hinesville in 1969.
Mr. Downs was the first building official for the city of Hinesville, then the first director of inspections, serving the city for more than 30 years. He was a member and past president of the Building Officials Association of Georgia, and a lifetime member of the International Electrical Code Association and Georgia Plumbers Association, working tirelessly to make our buildings and homes as safe as possible.
He was the founder and president of the Hinesville Sports Officials Association, serving the local sports community at all levels for 31 years. Mr. Downs was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Hinesville and a member of the A.G. Overman Men's Bible Class.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Downs of Hinesville; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Kimberly Downs of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughter, Debra Hallows of Hinesville; three grandchildren, Chris Downs of Marlboro, Mass., Kelly Campbell of Richmond, Va., and Lori Hallows of Hinesville; four step-grandchildren, Tiffani Wooten of Norfolk, Va., and Brittani, Summer and Sydney Schlimgen of Virginia Beach.
Visitation will be from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at First United Methodist Church in Hinesville. His funeral will follow at 2:30. Burial, with full military honors, will be in Hinesville Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be the United States Army Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the A.G. Overman Men's Bible Class of First United Methodist Church and Hinesville Sports Officials Association.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.carteroglethorpe.com.

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Published by Coastal Courier from Mar. 25 to Apr. 1, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William Downs

12 Entries

Chuck Wratchford

April 4, 2014

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Derrick Taylor

March 27, 2014

My sincere condolences go out to the Downs family. As the founder of the Hinesville Officials Association; his loyalty, dedication and passion for the association and it's members will not be forgotten. God Bless.

Ron (Soup) Campbell Sr

March 27, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. A great Man, Husband,Father, Mentor, Bill will forever be missed. Miss Carol, Debbie, I will always keep you in my prayers.

Eric Johanson

March 26, 2014

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Margie DeLoach Love

March 26, 2014

I enjoyed working with Mr.Downs the many years I worked with the City. My deepest sympathies to Carol and the family. May God be especially close to you all at this sad time.

Sandy & Wayne Pinkham

March 26, 2014

Dear Carol, Debra, & Lori: our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. We have MANY sweet memories of our times together with you all over the past 37 years (sports officiating, shopping trips, pancake meals at the fair, dining out, etc). We look forward to spending eternity with Bill.

Page McIntosh

March 26, 2014

My prayers are with Carol and Debra. May God be with all of you at this time of loss.

Michael Sparks

March 26, 2014

Mr. Bill was a great friend to me. I first met Mr. Bill during my senior year in high school at Bradwell. Mr. Bill always had time to talk and listen whenever I saw him. When I became a football coach at Southeast Bulloch High School, Mr. Bill officiated the first high school game I ever was the head coach in. I will surely miss him. He was truly a real Southern gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Michael Sparks
B.I. Class of 1969

Denise Johnson

March 26, 2014

My condolences to the family. I worked with Mr. Downs years ago as a housing inspector. He did not mind sharing his knowledge about the industry, was kind and loved his trains. He touched my life in a positive way. May you find comfort in each other and the blessings of God during the loss of your loved one.

Connie Harrell-Overholser

March 25, 2014

Debbie, thinking of you, your mom and brother.