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.
