Robert O. Downey

Deacon Robert O. Downey, 94, of Nelson, VA entered eternal rest Saturday, October 27, 2007 at South Boston Manor Nursing Home, South Boston, VA.Deacon Downey was born in Mecklenburg County, VA November 24, 1912 to the late Earnest and Elizabeth Harris Downey. He received his education in the Mecklenburg County School System. He was a member of Wharton Memorial Baptist Church, Nelson, VA, where he served on the Trustee and Deacon Boards, Senior Choir and was  a Teacher of the Adult Sunday School Class. He was  a member of the Big Brothers Club, Averette Union Masonic Lodge #235. He also served on and with many groups and organizations such as, The Civil Rights Movement, Community Growth Programs, YMCA, Mecklenburg County Transportation Dept, Agriculture Dept for the County Farm Programs, and The Mecklenburg County School System. Deacon Downey received awards and recognitions in abundance. Deacon Downey was preceded in death by his wife, Lizzie Perkins Downey.Cherishing his memories  are his six children, Julia Ann Hargrove (George), of Clarksville,VA, Earnest Russell Downey, Shirley Burdine Marrow and Mary Alice Downey all of  Nelson, VA, Robert O. Downey, Jr., (Patricia) of Orange, NJ, and Hallie L. Gamble of Irvington, NJ; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Lucy Benjamin of New York and Mrs. Odell Ellis of Pennsylvania and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends.Funeral services for Deacon Robert O. Downey will be conducted 2:00 P.M Saturday, November 3, 2007 at the chapel of C.H. Harris Funeral Home, Clarksville, VA with Rev. James A. Hudson, Jr. officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in the Downey Memorial Garden, Nelson, VA. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P. M.Arrangements are by C.H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service 216 Fourth Street, Clarksville, VA