Joseph Tillman Downer, age 80 of Demorest, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at his residence.
Born November 30, 1932, he was a son of the late Joseph Wilson and Maggie Bailey Downer. Mr. Downer was retired from Chicopee Manufacturing and attended Crossroads Baptist Church. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and he was a talented musician who enjoyed writing music, singing solos and duets, and playing his guitar. Mr. Downer was also an avid Atlanta Braves fan.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Johnnie Deaton Downer; brothers, Richard, William, Herbert, Bruce, and Harry Downer.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Diane & Darrell Allen of Demorest and Joann & Rev. Johnny Loudermilk of Mt. Airy; grandchildren, Leah (Scott) Cunningham, Hannah (Dustan) Wilbanks, Dusty (Tiffany) Allen, Dana (Nate) McLeod, Melody Loudermilk, and Mark Loudermilk; great granddaughter, Annaleigh McLeod; sisters, Ruth Paul and Dianne (Henry) Welch both of Wadesboro, NC, Mary Frances Poe of Mt. Gilead, NC, Carol Freeman of Troy, NC.
Funeral services are 11:00 am Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Crossroads Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Lee Mitchell, Mr. Mike Welch, and Rev. Lamar Kastner officiating. Interment will follow in Demorest City Cemetery with Rev. Johnny Loudermilk. Full military honors will be provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Habersham County American Legion Post #84, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, and the Georgia National Guard.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3-5 & 7-9 pm Wednesday.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
