Gary Thomas Downs, aged 70, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He was born on February 23, 1954, in Decatur, Alabama, to Thomas “Ted” Clellon Downs and Martha “Mot” Ann (Marks) Downs, who predeceased him.
For the first 50 years of his life, Gary was a proud resident of Tanner, Alabama and was a 1972 graduate of Athens High School. He married Helen “Gail” Holt on January 14, 1973, in Iuka, Mississippi. He was a fifth generation farmer, and began farming at a young age with his father in Limestone County, Alabama. In 2013, he and his son, Zac, moved their farming operations to Scott, Arkansas. Gary valued family, friends, honesty, and integrity above all else and, in return, was greatly loved and respected by his friends and family. Gary had a quick and dry sense of humor, and no one questioned where they stood with him. He would quietly help anyone in need, insisting on no recognition for his generosity. Gary made sure his family and friends knew that he would “park his tractor” to take care of them, and he never failed to do just that.
Gary is survived by his wife, Gail; his daughter, Heather (Aaron); his sons, Seth and Zac (Kimberly); Blaine Sims; his grandchildren, Jacob, Sydney, Piper, Henry, Rosemary, Laramy, Penelope, and Eli; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family, friends, and others are invited to the Roller-England Funeral Home, 202 Stuttgart Highway, England, AR 72046, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on November 8, 2024, for a visitation to reminisce and honor the life of Gary.
There will be a 2PM Graveside Service Tuesday at Athens City Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday 12noon until 1:30PM at Spry Funeral Home in Athens.