Christopher McMillan Downing

1976 - 2017

Christopher McMillan Downing died on December 7, 2017 of a heart attack while resting, in route from Mobile to Charleston for his next job assignment. Chris was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, on April 4, 1976. Chris and his family returned to Savannah in 1980 after his father's active duty military career. He spent most of his early childhood and adult life in Savannah. He was educated at Savannah Christian Preparatory School and received numerous technical certificates from Savannah Technical College including HVAC Technician, Integrated Circuit Repair and Computer Systems Technology. Chris was a veteran who spent seven years in the Georgia Air National Guard's 117th Air Control Squadron where he was deployed to Italy in support of the Bosnian conflict and to United Arab Emirates in support of the Middle East conflict.

Chris had spent the last several years employed by Austal, USA, which is a major shipbuilder with facilities located in Mobile, AL and Australia. Chris worked on the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship program as a fitout tradesman and as a test and activation specialist. His last job was as a Post Delivery Service Engineer for the Navy's Expeditionary Fast Transport program.

Chris had a lifetime love of music, and his lovable character, sharp wit and friendly disposition made him many true friends in both Savannah and Mobile. The outpouring of love and support from so many after his death shows the positive impact his short life had on so many. Christopher is survived by his parents, Cary and Carol Downing of Savannah, and his brother, Stephen Downing (April) of Savannah. He is also survived by his aunts, Carol Blaisdell of Savannah, Barbara McLaughlin (Leo) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Rhonda Parham of Midway and his uncle, John Downing of Savannah. He is also survived by his beloved felines, Walter and Maceo.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 17, at 3:00 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Chapel on Hodgson Memorial Drive. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.