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Charles Leonard Downing, Sr.

 

Charles Leonard Downing, Sr., born January 25, 1937 in Brookhaven, MS, passed away on May 5, 2021

at Brookridge Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, NC. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, LaVerne,

ten days prior. They shared a full life and marriage for over 60 years. His was the son of Leonard “Jack” Downing and Ruby Boston;

father to Charles “Chuck” Downing, Jr. (Debbie) and Micah Downing (wife: Lisa); grandfather to Kristen Doub (husband: Don), Jacquie Hassen (husband: David),

Alexandra Downing (husband: Brandon Roberts), and Gabrielle Downing; and great-grandfather to Boeing & Emmie Doub and Henry & Oliver Hassen.

 

He began his career as a pilot flying for two different banks out of Jackson, MS. In 1969, he became the chief pilot with McLean Trucking Company in Winston-Salem, NC.

He concluded his flying career with Genuine Parts in Atlanta, GA in 1980.

 

Following his retirement from aviation, he started a new career as the co-owner of King R/C Hobby Shop, which he started in his garage

and later ran in a large storefront for 39 years with his wife, LaVerne. Charles loved a good meal while reminiscing about his beloved Brookhaven, where his family

would often hear the same stories about how he grew up above his family’s movie theater, The Haven. Oh, to hear another one of his endearing tales!

 

Services are 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 15, at Mt Zion Church of Christ with visitation from

11:00 until time of the service and burial at the Church Cemetery.

Media

5 comments

  • Comment Link al fatherree Sunday, 27 June 2021 21:36 posted by al fatherree

    so very sorry to learn of my good friends passing We both attended Mississippi State in 1995 and 1956 and took flyinf lessons together. There are so many intersting and funny stories I would love to share with the family if you would like..My name is Al Fatherree. I can be reached at 423-737-1043. My e-mail is lori.al@comcast.net. God Bless

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  • Comment Link al fatherree Sunday, 27 June 2021 20:59 posted by al fatherree

    I am so saddened by the passing of my good friend, Charles. We took flying lessons together while attending Mississippi State. we roomed in the same dorm, Moore Hall, and would ride together to Oktibbeha County Airport. Our claim to fame was that we were taught to fly by Mason Camp, who was taught to fly by Charles Lindbergh. It's all on the internet. Anyway i just wanted to express my sincere condolences for your loss of charles and Laverne who obviously a wonderful wife, mother,,and Christian influence in the lives of those she knew. I would love to talk to Chuck or someone in the family just to share our time together. So glad he carried out his dream of flying. My name is al fatherree and i can be reached at 423-737-1043 or lori.al@comcast.net God Bless

    Report
  • Comment Link al fatherree Saturday, 26 June 2021 07:19 posted by al fatherree

    So saddened by the loss of my friend, charles. Ive been trying to look up old friends and when I tried to look up Charles I was shocked to learn of his recent passing. He and I attended Mississippi state together in 1955 nd 1956. we took flying lessons together at Oktibbeha airport in Starkville. The flight instructor who taught us to fly was taught to fly by Charles Lindberg. his name was Mason S Camp. Its all on the internet. anyway, We had some fun times together and glad to see he lived out his dream of flying. If you would like to talk or text you can reach me or text my cell at 423-737-1043. my name is Al Fatherree.

    Report
  • Comment Link Geral and Donni Long Thursday, 20 May 2021 10:33 posted by Geral and Donni Long

    Micah & All,
    It sounds like your father lived a full and interesting life, and that he & your mother had a close relationship. Who could ask for more. We are both so sorry for your loss & hope memories of his stories provide consolation in the future.
    Geral & Donni Long

    Report
  • Comment Link Betty Taylor Wednesday, 12 May 2021 09:19 posted by Betty Taylor

    Chuck and family please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mom and Dad.

    Report

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