Charles “Raymond’ Downey, age 75, of 109 Matthews Lane, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Friday, February 1, 2019 at LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany, Low Moor.
Raymond was born September 13, 1943 in Clifton Forge to the late Charles Russell and Clara Rickman Downey. He served in the United States Air Force for two years and was a retired machinist of 32 years for CSX Transportation. He belonged to the International Machinist Union, Central Advent Christian Church, and Buckhorn Hunt Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Eva Newcomb, Hesta Fisher, and Nancy Morton; two brothers, Olen Downey and Ashton Downey; and a half-brother, William “Bill” Downey.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys Gum Downey of Clifton Forge; two sons, David Dwayne Downey of Covington, and Timothy Scott Downey and wife Bethany of Clifton Forge; a sister-in-law, Marlene Downey of Union, WV; two grandchildren, Silas Downey and Wyatt Downey; special friends, Michael Warren, Ashlee Warren, Reverend Mike Warren and wife Renee, Chris and Kelly Vess, Christian Vess, and Adam Vess, all of Clifton Forge; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 4, 2019 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Gene Ayers and Reverend Mike Warren officiating. Interment will follow in Central Advent Christian Church Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Active pallbearers will be Adam Vess, Christian Vess, Ernie Knick, Bucky Webb, Eddie Putnam, Eddie Newcomb, Larry Ross, and Greg Vess. Honorary pallbearers will be former CSX co-workers, members of the Buckhorn Hunt Club, and C. A. Ross. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department, 3910 Longdale Furnace Rd, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 or the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 419, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.