Robert A. Downing

July 5, 1929 - July 27, 2015
Robert A. Downing


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Robert Alton Downing, 86 of Wilmington passed away Monday, July 27, 2015 at his home.

Mr. Downing is the son of the late Robert Linwood Downing and Mary Esther Johnson Downing; he also was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Downing.

Mr. Downing is survived by his wife, Norma Newton Downing of the home; two sons, Michael Downing and wife Beth and Randy Downing of Wilmington; two daughters, Debbie Wilson and Robert Jarrell of Wilmington and Karen Downing of Wilmington; one sister, Delores Lunsford of Hartsville, SC; five grandchildren, Jake Wilson and wife Becca, Zack Downing, Zeb Downing, Kelsey Downing and Shawn VanSlooten, Kayla Browning and two great grandchildren, Wyatt Wilson and Kaylee Cannon.

A graveside service will be Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Greenlawn Memorial Park at 10:00 AM with Rev. Russ Nanney officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center at 1416 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401 or Harbor United Methodist Church at 4853 Masonboro Loop Rd. Wilmington, NC 28409

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099


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  • July 28, 2015
    Evelyn Fitzgerald says:
    Norma, Mike, Beth, Karen, Debbie, Randy and children--please know that all of you are in my prayers as you go through this difficult period. Alton is up above, tinkering with heavenly boats, biding his time until he can be reunited with his living family.

  • July 28, 2015
    Thelma and Robert says:
    Norma and family, So sorry to hear about Alton's passing. May peace be with you in the next few days and the days to come. Love to all of you.

  • July 28, 2015
    Teresa and Bill Duggins says:
    Norma, Bill and I are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Take care of yourself.

  • July 29, 2015
    George Morse says:
    I graduated from High School with Alton's brother and sister in law, Lawrence and Tiny Downing. They were my best friends. Lawrence introduced me to Alton. Alton was a great person and very nice to me. He and Lawrence helped me fix my car in 1965 to travel to my new job with AT&T in Wash. DC. God bless his wife and family.