John Albert Downey, Sr

John "Jon-Jon" Albert Downey Sr passed away from a heart attack on the morning of April 17, 2016 at the age of 84. John is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Winn Downey of Acworth, GA; his children Pamela Miller of Alpharetta, Patricia Whiteman and her husband Hal Whiteman of Sandy Springs, John Downey JR of Adairsville, and Kathryn Downey of Kennesaw, GA; his grandchildren Whitney Horne and her husband Eric Horne of Kennesaw, Alexandra Bailey and her husband Nicholas Bailey of Gainesville, Brittani Watson of Charleston, Nikki Downey of Tallahassee, Channing Watson of Waterford, MI, Isaiah Banks of Albany, Malachi Banks of Albany, and Hope Banks of Albany; and his great-grandchildren Keelan Bailey of Gainesville, Jesup Horne of Kennesaw, Kayden Bailey of Gainesville, and Scott Bailey of Gainesville. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Desiree Downey; his siblings Gordon Downey, Glenn Downey, Virginia Durham, Bettye Mann, and Leon Downey; and his granddaughter Hayden Vann.

John was born on December 19, 1931 in Section, Alabama across Lake Guntersville from Scottsboro where many of his siblings settled. He joined the Army at the age of 18 in 1949 and went to basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. He served as a member of the 82nd Airborne and was discharged at Fort Bragg, NC in 1953. After the Army, he and his family moved to Mableton, GA and he worked at Lockheed Air Force Base. In 1963, he opened Crowe and Downey, Inc., a very successful metal fabrication business. He was extremely talented in his field and worked very hard. He took a lot of well deserved pride in his company. He met his wife, Winn, in 1971. They married in 1973 and moved to Smyrna, GA. He was a dedicated member of Mt. Paran North Church of God since 1978. He was a devoted husband and adored his wife, they were true soul mates. He loved his children and especially enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren taking them on many adventures all over GA and to the Florida panhandle.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 20 from 6pm until 8pm at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory, 2480 Macland Road, Marietta, GA 30064. The Funeral Service is scheduled for 11 am on Thursday, April 21 at Mt. Paran North Church of God, 1700 Allgood RD NE, Marietta, GA 30062. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mt. Paran North Church of God. Online Guestbook available at www.westcobbfuneralhome.com .