Parkes A. Downing, Jr.

January 6, 1947 - November 7, 2010
Parkes A. Downing, Jr.

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Parkes Abbott Downing, Jr., of 8044 Bald Eagle Lane, Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away with family by his side, November 7, 2010, at the age of 63.

Parkes was born in Northampton Accomack Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox, Virginia, on January 6, 1947 to Parkes and Margaret (Boole) Downing.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, parents, Parkes & Margaret Downing, brothers David and Johnny, sister-in-law Cindy, his son Clay, daughter-in-law Danielle grandsons Thomas & Clay Jr. Stepson Andy Futrell, daughter-in-law Kim. Granddaughters, Biz & Hannah and Stepson Charlie Futrell, daughter-in-law Marla, grandson Trace and granddaughters Liza & Mary Kate.

Parkes grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. As a Shore boy, he skated on the creeks, cracked oysters with his grandfather, Capt Pat, planted strawberries, and clamed with family. This is where he developed his love for the outdoors and the water. He attended Old Dominium College on a baseball scholarship before serving during the Vietnam War as a member of the Army Corp of Engineers. He was a successful small business owner in and around the Raleigh and Wilmington areas.

He enjoyed a wide variety of interests which included gardening, hunting, fishing, tinkering, carving and collecting. He particularly enjoyed time on the water, at the cabin in the mountains and knocking around with buddies. But his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his grandchildren. Those who had the privilege to know Parkes know him as a caring, fun loving and wise person.

The family will receive friends at the Downing home at 8044 Bald Eagle Lane on Thursday, Nov 11, from 6-8.

Celebrations of Life will be held on Friday November 12th at the Church of the Servant in Wilmington, North Carolina at 1 pm and Sunday Nov 14th at Franktown Methodist Church in Franktown, Va. at 2 pm.

The family requests no flowers please. Memorial donations can be made in his name to The Association of Retarded Citizens of the Eastern Shore, PO Box 626, Exmore, Virginia 23350.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • November 12, 2010
    Laure Singer says:
    We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Downing family. We are very sorry for your loss. We will remember Parkes as a jovial and fun loving person, who loved his family and friends very much. The Singer family David, Laure, Audrey and Henry

  • November 08, 2010
    Darrell Henderson says:
    I use dto work for Parks at Soil Tech Engineering back in the 90's. Parks was a good man. He will be missed. He was well respected a well liked. My condolences.

  • November 08, 2010
    tweedles & larry says:
    we are so sorry to hear about Parks. please let us know if we can do anything. we love you.

  • November 12, 2010
    John Schoolfield says:
    May God bless Parkes and his family. Heaven has claimed another beloved soul. We will miss you but never forget you. A more generous, kind, caring and wise person I have not known. I thank God for your frienship and inspiration. Save a spot for me.

  • November 15, 2010
    Georg Braddock says:
    Ann, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Parks. You will be in my prayers. May you feel the presents of the of the Lord in your life through this difficult time.Take care to we meet again. George