1937
Raymond
2015
Raymond Downey
December 20, 1937 — April 26, 2015
Raymond V. Downey, 77, died Sunday, April 26, 2015 at University Medical Center after a tragic car accident. Visitation will be held on Tues. April 28, 2015 from 5pm-7pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS and on Wed. April 29, 2015 starting at 9am at Oakdale Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services are 10am Wed. April 29, 2015 at Oakdale Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery following the funeral services. Dr. Rick Henson will officiate.
Ray was born in Mobile, Alabama on December 20, 1937 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Downey. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in English from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, MS, his Master's Degree in English from The University of Southern Mississippi and worked toward his PhD at the University of Tennessee. Most of his career was spent as an English Professor at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN. He also followed his passion as a referee with the Southern Conference Football Association for more than a decade.
Upon retiring in 1995, he relocated from Tennessee to Brandon, MS and devoted his life to his large family and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ at home and abroad. He worked tirelessly as a servant of Christ on numerous mission trips to Romania; at his home church, Oakdale Baptist Church; with the 316 Ministries at Walnut Grove prison and volunteer Bible teacher at Mississippi Children's Home; and as a prison minister with the Gideons at several local prisons. He also was an avid hunter and enjoyed being a morning regular at Pelahatchie Trading Post. His kind spirit and fervor for Christ touched many lives.
Downey is survived by his wife, Barbara Downey of Brandon, MS; four children: Raymond Carey Downey and wife Caron of Raymond, MS; Cindy Downey Raborn and husband Rick of Flowood, MS; William Christopher Downey and wife Beth of Brandon, MS; and Cathy Downey Megehee and husband Woody of Brandon, MS. One sister, Julia Corley of Alabama. Also his 10 grandchildren: Sean Copeland; Jason Copeland and wife Michelle; Caye Carraway and husband Wesley; Nathan Copeland and wife Nikki; Tyler Raborn and wife Amanda; Casey Raborn; Christopher James Downey; Kayleigh Downey; Sawyer Megehee; and Kelly Megehee, and 11 great-grandchildren: Addison, Parker and Cullen Copeland; Dylan and Hannah Copeland; Tristan and Keira Carraway; Fallon, Mason and Rivers Copeland and Ann Brees Raborn.
In addition to his parents, Downey was preceded in death by his brother, James Downey of Hattiesburg, MS.
His family and friends rest in the knowledge that he is with his heavenly Father and they will all be together again one day. His love, devotion, friendship and influence will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to 316 Ministries at Oakdale Baptist Church, 1872 Highway 471, Brandon, MS 39047.
Ray was born in Mobile, Alabama on December 20, 1937 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Downey. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in English from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, MS, his Master's Degree in English from The University of Southern Mississippi and worked toward his PhD at the University of Tennessee. Most of his career was spent as an English Professor at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN. He also followed his passion as a referee with the Southern Conference Football Association for more than a decade.
Upon retiring in 1995, he relocated from Tennessee to Brandon, MS and devoted his life to his large family and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ at home and abroad. He worked tirelessly as a servant of Christ on numerous mission trips to Romania; at his home church, Oakdale Baptist Church; with the 316 Ministries at Walnut Grove prison and volunteer Bible teacher at Mississippi Children's Home; and as a prison minister with the Gideons at several local prisons. He also was an avid hunter and enjoyed being a morning regular at Pelahatchie Trading Post. His kind spirit and fervor for Christ touched many lives.
Downey is survived by his wife, Barbara Downey of Brandon, MS; four children: Raymond Carey Downey and wife Caron of Raymond, MS; Cindy Downey Raborn and husband Rick of Flowood, MS; William Christopher Downey and wife Beth of Brandon, MS; and Cathy Downey Megehee and husband Woody of Brandon, MS. One sister, Julia Corley of Alabama. Also his 10 grandchildren: Sean Copeland; Jason Copeland and wife Michelle; Caye Carraway and husband Wesley; Nathan Copeland and wife Nikki; Tyler Raborn and wife Amanda; Casey Raborn; Christopher James Downey; Kayleigh Downey; Sawyer Megehee; and Kelly Megehee, and 11 great-grandchildren: Addison, Parker and Cullen Copeland; Dylan and Hannah Copeland; Tristan and Keira Carraway; Fallon, Mason and Rivers Copeland and Ann Brees Raborn.
In addition to his parents, Downey was preceded in death by his brother, James Downey of Hattiesburg, MS.
His family and friends rest in the knowledge that he is with his heavenly Father and they will all be together again one day. His love, devotion, friendship and influence will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to 316 Ministries at Oakdale Baptist Church, 1872 Highway 471, Brandon, MS 39047.
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