Francis Custis Downing Sr.

Francis Custis Downing Sr died on May 4, 2010 in Concord, NC at First Assembly Living Center. Francis was born July 7, 1926 in Marionville, Virginia. He was the son of Edward and Fannie Downing and known as Teenie by family members. Teenie was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Maryanna, three brothers; Vernon, Colonna, and Otho, and his eldest son, Francis Custis Downing Jr. Teenie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sharon Lee Smith Downing, currently living in Concord, NC where Teenie died. Teenie is also survived by a brother Frank (Ruby) and sister Susie, both of Chesapeake, Va. Four of five children survive, Ed (3sons) of Gainesville, Va; James (Wendy) (4 sons) of Buford, Ga; Teresa Denton (Bruce) (2 daughters) of Candler, NC; Sandy McPherson (Milt) (1 daughter, 1 son, 2 step-sons) of Clover, Va. Teenie served in the US Navy for 3 ½ years, worked at the Newport News shipyard, worked in farm supply, delivered milk and newspapers, and spent the last years of his career as an all around handyman, carpenter, and electrician working for Gray's Furniture in Eastville, Va.. Teenie will be long remembered for his love and dedication to his family. He worked seven days a week for many years and still found time for fun playing cards, boardgames and going to horse races with family and friends. Teenie built the family home in Eastville where he and Sharon lived for 48 years. Teenie could fix anything from a broken washing machine to a broken doll. He raised his children with a firm but loving hand and instilled honesty and hard work as traits to be valued. A special thanks to the administration and staff of First assembly Living Center for their kindness and care to Francis in his last months of life. Funeral services will be held at Doughty Funeral Home on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 11 am. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Redbank Baptist Church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Red Bank Baptist Church, c/o Michael Zodun, P.O. Box 564, Belle Haven, VA 23306. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore.