William Chisholm Downs Jr, age 77 of Athens, went home Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Chisholm was born November 21st, 1943 in Limestone County Al to William Chisholm (Dub) Downs Sr and Edith Elise Holmes Downs
Graveside services will be Sunday, December 13th , 2020 2:00 p.m. at the Athens City Cemetery. Visitation will precede the graveside services from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13th, 2020 at the Athens City Cemetery. Dwight Ridinger and Jesse Woodby will officiate.
Chisholm was a faithful, active member of Seven Mile Post Road Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, wife Anita Faye Burch Downs, and son Jonathan Andrew Downs.
Survived by his two daughters, Sharmon Wood (Donald) and Anita Jo Downs Brown both of Athens, Al.; two sons, Bill Downs (Tammy) of Athens, and Zeke Downs (Patricia) of Galatia, Illinois; Grandchildren: Maghan Lawrence, Jon Downs, Trey Wood, T.J. Wood, Charlie Brown, Chisholm Brown, Ashley Hayslett, Jessica Hayslett, Chelsey Downs, Haley Downs, Zane Downs, all of Athens, and Bethany Downs of Nashville, Tenn. Nine great-grandchildren: Russell, Aubree, Lily, Vonnie, Everley, Kaileigh, Nathan, Lillee, and Randy and one brother, Clellon Downs (Joyce) of Athens.
Chisholm attended and graduated in 1961 from Tanner High School, and later married Faye Burch in April of 1967. He grew up in a farming family and that was his occupation early in life. Eventually, he became an insurance agent, mainly dealing in crop insurance. He worked with the Federal Crop Insurance Program and owned a local Farmers Insurance Group Agency as well as D and D Agri from 1985 to the present. Nothing slowed him down. He often said that he would always work as long as he was able.
Chisholm was very much involved in serving his community. In the 1970’s, when his children attended Reid Elementary, he was known for his chicken stew that was made in huge cast iron pots and sold as a fundraiser for the school (this stew was also a family reunion favorite). He was a member of the Tanner Quarterback Club for over 40 years and always helped with putting on the Tanner Tractor Pull, which raised funds for the school and their various sporting activities. One of Chisholm’s passions was Tanner sports. He loved coaching, attending games and cheering on the players, whether it was football, basketball, or soccer….he very seldom missed a game. He also faithfully cheered on the Atlanta Braves and all SEC Sports Teams. Assisting in the spiritual well being of children was another passion he had. He spent one week every summer as a counselor at Limestone Bible Camp (Camp Ney-a-ti) for over 30 years. After his own children were too old to attend, he eventually took his grandchildren. He also served as an Inspector at the Round Island voting site during elections for over 10 years.
Pallbearers will be grandsons of Mr. Downs. Honorary Pallbearers are: Phillip Barron, Jeremiah Dinardo, Tim Gee, Richard Hill (Razor), Larry Jolly, Butch McMeans, Roger Nelson, Larry Stovall, Hershel Swanner, and Larry Thrasher
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Facebook Group, Hearts for the Homeless at P.O. Box 323, Athens, AL 35612. Mr. Downs was a member of this group.
