Dr. William Elder Downey Jr.

Published 12:08 pm Monday, October 21, 2024

Dr. William “Bill” Elder Downey Jr., 97, returned to his heavenly home on October 14th, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a man of immense humor, quick wit and wisdom, as well as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. He was lovingly known as Doc, Bippy, Bip, Grampy and Geebee.

Bill was born to the late William Elder Downey Sr. and Minnie Downey on Sept 14th, 1927, in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a Dentist in the United States Navy where he retired a Captain. He also ran his own practice in Wellsboro, PA. After retiring he and his wife moved to Harbinger, NC.

Bill joins his wife Betty as they have entered eternal rest. The couple was married 67 years before her passing in 2017. Bill is also preceded in death by his son, Dane Downey and wife Olivia, son-in-law, Michael Stanford, his parents, and his siblings.

Bill is survived by his children, Carole Stanford, Joel Downey (Nancy), and Beth Thomas (Brian); his grandchildren, Heather Stanford Frey, Daniel Downey (Ashley), Rynesha Thomas, Sarah Stanford, Megan Downey Schreeg (Jacob), Annie Downey Echelbarger (Tyler), Derek Thomas (Heather), Dustin Thomas (Mallory), Keagan Downey (Christina), Christopher Thomas (Savannah), Holly Thomas, Ethan Thomas; and his great-grandchildren, Evelyn Downey, Harrison Downey, Hattie Downey, Theodore Downey, Astrid Downey, Mina Echelbarger, William Schreeg, Paul Schreeg, Joella Schreeg, Liam Thomas, Sebastien Thomas, Ryleigh Thomas, Rowan Thomas, Elouise Thomas, and Judson Thomas; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Throughout his years, Doc served in many ministries, including Prison Ministries, Gideons and serving as a chairman on the board for Teen Challenge Bible School in Sunbury, PA. His dentistry skills led to many missions, including spending six weeks in Guiana as a missionary dentist in 1969. Bill was a member of Church of the New Covenant in Mansfield, PA. Before becoming homebound, Bill was an active member of Jarvisburg Church of Christ and attended Powells Point Christian Church. It didn’t matter if you were family, a friend or a stranger, he would love to tell you about Jesus.

He enjoyed all sports, but baseball was his favorite. He loved playing, coaching and watching. While coaching Little League for over 50 years, he taught the children about much more than the game. He attended Fantasy Camp with the Pittsburgh Pirates twice and played at Three Rivers Stadium.

He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of his caregivers who provided him with love and care during his final years on earth.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 24th at 1 p.m. at Powells Point Christian Church. Arrangements are being handled by Gallop Funeral Services, Inc.

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