William “Bill” Milnor Downing, Sr. went home to Jesus on February 18, 2022, at age 75. Bill was born to Doris Trommer and William Downing on October 11, 1946 in Bristol, PA. As a child, Bill loved sports, friends, and school, at which he excelled.
After high school, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1968 and served as an officer upon graduation until 1974.
Bill met his wife, Christine “Tina” Grow in 1961 at Bristol High School. They married in 1968 and went on to have three children, Mary Downing, Elizabeth Gray (Scott) and Bill Downing, Jr (Janell).
He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Jacob, William, Nora, Joshua, Foster, and Harrison, whom he adored, along with his sisters: Judy Rossman and Susan Downing, and brothers: Thomas Downing and James Trommer.
He joins his mother, Doris Trommer, father, William Downing, and sister, Nancy Ennis in heaven.
Bill loved the Lord, his family, the beach, and life. He was known for his gentle, cheerful, brave, and generous personality throughout his life, even during his battle with Parkinson’s. He enhanced the lives of all around him with his joyful spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 10 A.M., at Grace Lutheran Church in Nags Head, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Interfaith Community Outreach at PO Box 1663, Kill Devil Hills, NC. 27948.
Expressions of sympathy and comfort may be shared with the family via the online register at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
