Doug Downing

Stephen Douglas "Doug" Downing, 76, of Flowood, MS, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, in Jackson, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He is now joyfully in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Doug was born December 31, 1949, in Jackson, MS, to Irma Jean and Wilbur Daniel Downing. He spent his early years in Jackson, where he developed a lifelong love of sports and music. After his family moved to Oxford, Doug graduated from Oxford High School with the Class of 1968, forging lasting friendships and earning a reputation as a gifted athlete on the football and baseball fields.

He went on to the University of Mississippi, where he studied city planning and urban development and was a proud member of Sigma Chi, Eta Chapter. After earning his Master's degree in City Planning from Ole Miss, Doug began his career in Little Rock, Arkansas, before returning home to Jackson. He went on to spend 25 years at the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where his strong work ethic and warm, easygoing personality earned him the respect and friendship of everyone who worked alongside him. Simply put, everybody liked Doug.

Outside of work, Doug found great joy in Ole Miss football and golf. Above all, he cherished the time spent cheering on his seven nieces and nephews at their games and events through the years, always their biggest fan.

Doug is survived by his brother, Craig Downing (Anna) of Pontotoc, and their children, Stephen, John (Abby, son Lane and daughter Sophie), and Katherine; and his brother, Jeff Downing (Kim) of Jackson, and their children, Matthew (Christina), William (Laney, and daughter Iyla), Elizabeth, and Peter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irma Jean Heflin Downing of Laurel and Wilbur Daniel Downing of Jackson.

Doug will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as a devoted brother, uncle, and friend.

Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157, on August 25, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Parkway Memorial Cemetery, located on the same property.