Celebrating the life of
Harry Millard Downs
July 28, 1930 - January 12, 2017
SAVANNAH - Harry Millard Downs, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday January 12, 2017 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Jenkintown, PA he graduated from Ursinus College in 1952 and joined the US Air Force and attended Aviation Cadet School at Harlingen Air Force Base (TX). He was a bombardier and navigator on a B-29 Superfortress in the 582nd Air Re-Supply Squadron based in England, flying missions throughout Europe and North Africa. After returning to the US , Harry continued serving in the Air Force Reserves with the 89th Aerial Port Squadron and worked for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Transportation in the Pentagon. For many years Harry served as a Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy, counseling would-be cadets. He retired from the USAF in 1981 at the rank of Lt. Colonel. After receiving a Masters in Education from Kean College (NJ) Harry became a teacher whose career encompassed 31 years in the classroom and as Vice Principal.
He retired to Savannah in 1992 and became active in the community; volunteering at Hesse School, singing in the St Peter’s Episcopal Church choir and as a docent at The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.
He is survived by his wife Lucille, brother Warren and three sons: James (Lily), Brian (Laurie), Jeffrey (Barbara); 10 grandchildren: Jessica, James, Jonathan, Carly, Steven, Kevin, Kaitlyn, Jenna, Aleksandra, and Siena. Harry is preceded in death by his parents Millard and Edith Downs and brother, Kenneth Downs.
The family would like to thank his many caregivers, especially Arlene McIver and Chiquita Brockington for their loving care and acknowledge his doctors (Drs. Kumjian, Bottner, Duckworth, Wixon, Garrett, Mobley and Trundle).
The funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Skidaway Island, Savannah on Saturday January 28th @ 11 AM. The family will receive friends at a reception afterwards in the parish building.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church Choir, 3 West Ridge Road, Savannah, GA 31411 or Savannah Parkinson Support Group (GEM), 135 Sweet Gum Road Savannah, GA 31410.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Lucille, I will miss Harry very much and I so cherished the friendship that we shared. Character, Integrity, Morals, Values, Principles, Spiritual, a wonderful/caring husband, father, grandfather and always a true friend--ALL traits that made up the man and my dear friend--Harry M. Downs. We pray that GOD will comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
- Richard & Ann Lutz & Family, Savannah, GA
Lucille, I will miss Harry very much and I so cherished the friendship that we shared. Character, Integrity, Morals, Values, Principles, Spiritual, a wonderful/caring husband, father, grandfather and always a true friend--ALL traits that made up the man and my dear friend--Harry M. Downs. We pray that GOD will comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
- Richard & Ann Lutz & Family, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
