Cecil Ray Downing

C. RAY DOWNING, a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer W3, a highly respected rank within the Military, passed away on October 22, 2017. He was born May 17, 1931 in Vernon, TX. He later lived and graduated from high school in Wichita Falls, TX. He had a distinguished US Army career for more than 20 years. With duplications, Ray was awarded more than 20 medals or citations during his military career including The Bronze Star Medal in Vietnam plus three Army commendation medals in Korea, Germany and Vietnam. He served two times in Germany, once in Korea and Vietnam plus many stateside duties seeing the country we defend. While in the Army, Ray attended ten formal military schools, always finishing with a superior graduate status. Following retirement from the Army, he was employed by a commercial laundry company, eventually serving as manager of the Dallas Branch, retiring in 1987.

Ray displayed a strong desire to improve his education, eventually attaining a GED equivalent for college level requirements through military and civilian studies. He lived his life to the fullest and was totally family oriented. Ray was taught to be satisfied with where you are but always try to improve.

He displayed a strong and dedicated spiritual faith, an extreme awareness of family responsibilities, raising three children (His 3 B’s). Had a high compassion toward the needy, and thoroughly involved in discussing politics. With a strong passion for travel, he served in or visited 27 countries or territories, plus extensive travels with Wanda in their motor home. His favorite music was Country and Gospel. He enjoyed humor and was noted for his wit and “one-liners.” He was an avid dominoes player. He was proud indeed to be an American.

Ray’s testimony: “Through it all - - - through it all, I learned to trust in Jesus, I learned to trust in God. I learned to trust upon his word.”

Pallbearers: Leonard Byars (adopted son), Billy Ray Downing (son), Robert Keith Adams (son), Josiah Gibson (Downing grandson), David Downing ( Brother James, nephew), Randy Downing (brother Kenneth nephew).

Honorary pallbearers: Zack Prince, Carl Berryhill, James David Eason, Thomas Jerrell Eason, and the countless military people he served with and the many members of camping clubs Ray and Wanda traveled and camped with.

Survivors: His loving wife and best friend, Wanda (Pretty Lady) for 40 years;

Children: Bonnie Faye Gibson Brydon, spouse Brink, Redondo Beach, Calif., Barbara Louise Ulrich, Mead, CO, Billy Ray Downing, spouse Rosa, Chula Vista, Calif., Robert Keith Adams, Ft. Worth, TX. He had nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Special mention to Leonard Byars, and all the loving nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by his Mom (Addie) and Dad (Henry), three brothers, J.D., Virgil, and Kenneth Downing, daughter, Karen Lee Adams McGee, Son-in-law, Keith Ulrich.