John Douglas Downey Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ethel Mae Wills and John Douglas Downey Sr. (Duke) and a Cherished daughter. Kimberly Diane Frizzell.

He is survived by the Love of his Life for the last 41 years, a 5ft ‘2in. Brown haired. hazel eyed Beauty, his wife Donna Lee Downey and his beloved four-legged kids, Marley, and Millie “The Lab”

He was one of eight children, 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

He is also survived by his children: Cheryl and Richard Dixon. Shelly And Wayne Powers, Angie Brock and Blaze, Brian and Sherry Gibson, Crystal and Stefanie Gibson, Jason, and Morgan Gibson.

He cherished the love of his eighteen grandchildren--, yes you read that right 18! Kailey, Dillon, Dalton, Dakota, Brittany, Ryan, Cameron, Mallory, Kimberly, Tyler, Skyler, Chance, “Lil B” Brian, Brooke, Chelsea, Kyle, Athena and Canyon. His circle of love also included a cherished friend, Aunt Jane, Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Joyce .

He was born in Hopewell, Virginia in 1940. In 1958 Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and was immensely proud of his service to his country and traveled the world. After his enlistment He became highly successful in a Sales Career in Commercial Appliance Industry for over 4 decades with the beginning of his career spent at Sears Roebuck as Sales Manager and Many years at Lakeside Appliance and Kline Contracting Sales. He was so incredibly good at his craft he was once named “The Million Dollar Man” by the local paper for his Sales in one year.

Throughout his life, he was an avid Civil War enthusiast, dedicating countless hours to relic hunting. Weekends often found him deep in the woods with friends, eagerly searching for that elusive treasure. Yet, it was not just about the relics; it was the stories he tell so elaborately afterward that truly captured the imagination.

He was an incredible Father to not just his own kids but anyone who ever got the pleasure to know POP.

He was an avid book reader. He could read a novel in two days. A louis Lamore Fan for sure.

In his retirement John and Donna Enjoyed their time Camping with their very cherished friends from BUSH Park Camping Resort, Deltaville VA. They all became Family to dad.

To know John was to love John. He never met a stranger. He was so Handsome and Kind. He was the Core of this Family. A straight shooter who always had the best advice for us all. He thought his jokes were the funniest, not always the case but we never let him know it.

A salesman Like no other. It was a fact if you were out with POP, you were going to run into someone he knew.

In his life he battled so much pain and never gave up and kept his will strong till the very end. A Soldier through and through.

In his final months home at hospice, John was surrounded by so many friends and family and dogs ,alot of dogs,. Many stories were told and so many laughs and many, many tears. We made sure that Pop knew we were all fighting with him every step of the way. The world most definitely lost one of the good ones.

Special mention to Our Mom, his beloved, Donna Lee. She is the epitome of the vows she took with John so many years ago. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death did y’all part. It was YOU who kept him going for us all. Your unwavering care and attention and devotion you gave him will always be remembered and admired and never went unnoticed. You were a constant in his life. You are this families rock and Bravest of all.

John Loved Donna Donna Loved John.

To Uncle Mickey, We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for dropping your life in Nebraska to be with dad in these last months. You gave dad life and a light in him we had not seen in a while. You also helped us have one more day with Dad. We are all Eternally grateful.

Also, we would like to add a Special Thank you to Richmond Veterans Virginia Medical Center For their many years of care. As well as James River Hospice Care nurses in our fathers’ final months. You treated him with Dignity and Respect until the very end.

To the angel hospice nurse who came on dad’s final day, you were nothing short of amazing. We are all grateful for your compassionate care and it will never be forgotten. We would also like to give thanks to the staff at Nelsen’s Funeral Home.

The family invites you to join us for a Gathering of Family and Friends on Thursday, June 20th, 2024, from 4-8 pm at Nelsen’s Funeral Home on Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231. Please join us to share your favorite stories and memories. At 6 pm, there will be a Military presentation of the flag, accompanied by the playing of taps.

In lieu of flowers, go out and help a Vet or your neighbor or a stranger. Buy them a cup of coffee or give them an ear to listen. Show kindness. Everyone has a story to tell and a battle there fighting.

Goodbye Our Sweet Superman, until we all meet again.