Richard E. Downing

DOWNING, Richard E. Age 90 of Nashville, TN Mr. Downing passed peacefully in his home Thursday March 31, 2011. He was greeted in heaven by those that preceded him in death, Father Adrian Monroe Downing, Mother Nannie Smith Downing, 2 brothers A.M. Downing and Edwin “Bubby” Downing, as well as his beloved son Richard E. Downing Jr. Mr. Downing was born in Marshall County, TN and attended Cornersville High School before earning a basketball scholarship to Martin College. He served in WWII in the 985th Forward Ordinance Depot Co. European Theater and Battle of the Bulge. He was married to Alice Lentz Downing on June 30th, 1950. He then worked for the US Army Corp of Engineers for 33 years. After his retirement he partnered in C&D Parking Lots. He loved nothing more than spending time in his favorite places, a cabin on Center Hill Lake and his Farm in Bedford Co. where he partook in his true passions, fishing, fun, and people. Mr. Downing is survived by his loving Wife of 60 years, Alice Lentz Downing; loving Grandson Robert E. Downing, Brother Frank L. Downing, Sister In Law Mattie Gaskill, loving daughter in law Donna Downing-Corddry, Sister In Law, Peggy Spain Lentz and special extended grandchildren Andrew & Carolyn Corddry, as well as numerous devoted nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011 in Woodlawn’s Dignity Hall with Jay Hartley officiating. Active Pallbearers: James Downing, Mark Downing, Larry Downing, Stanley Downing, Chuck Lentz, John Horton, Allen Horton, and Eugene Grigsby. Honorary Pallbearers: George Downing, Howard Lewis, Bobby Gaskill, Doug Ball, Jeff Moseley, Ron Hood, Hugh Cates, Jack Davis and Soapy French. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1- 4 & 6-8 p.m. and on Monday 1 hour prior to the service at WOODLAWN-ROESCH-PATTON FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Guardian Hospice or Eastwood Christian Church, 1601 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206.