Charles Albert Downing III, 88, loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather peacefully went to be with our Lord on June, 20, 2019. Charles was born November 12, 1930 to Seabright Gaylord Parrot and Charles Albert Downing, Jr. He was predeceased by both his parents and his brother, Thomas Gaylord Downing. Charles was affectionately called Buddy by his family and close friends as he was growing up. Charles enlisted and served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1949 through 1955. He received his business experience from 15 years as an employee of Sears Roebuck and Company. He started and owned Paymaster Checkwriter Company in 1966.
Charles was a member of Norview Lodge 113, Scottish Rite Bodies (KCCH), Khedive Temple and Director of the Khedive Chanters. He was Past Commodore of Khedive Yacht Club, Mid Atlantic Association Shrine Yacht Clubs, International Association Shrine Yacht Clubs, Past President Khedive Chanters, Mid-Atlantic Chanters, and Founder of South Atlantic Shrine Chanters Association. He was a deacon at Park Place Baptist Church and Westwood Hill Baptist Church. He was a current member of First Baptist Church of Norfolk and was active with the church choir for over 30 years. Charles was an avid boater throughout his entire life, and enjoyed many years on the water with his family and friends aboard his treasured boat, the Yes Indeedy.
A man of honor, integrity, and dignity, Charles will always be lovingly remembered by all as a kind, humorous and gentle family man. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Elisabeth Mas Downing, son, Paul Downing, and his wife, Gina, (Jacqueline), daughter, Grace Smith, and her husband, Brett, (Emily, Lydia and Andrew), daughter, Sara Roughton, and her husband, Doug, (Adam, Jade and fiancé, Spencer Norris), sister, Carol Atkinson, and her husband, Tommy, brother-in-law, David Mas and his wife, Glenda, sister, Jayne Forchas and brother, Jimmy Downing. The family would like to thank Harmony at Oakbrooke Assisted Living and Interim HealthCare Hospice staff for their loving care of Mr. Charles.
A service for Charles will be held on Monday, June 24, 2019 with a visitation from 2pm to 3pm and the service starting at 3pm at First Baptist Church of Norfolk in Norfolk, VA. Condolences may be shared with the family via the “Memory Wall” tab.
Send Flowers
So sorry to hear about Charles’ passing!
Praying for you all, especially my former stand partner!
I know that you and your wife don’t remember me but my Dad was a Chanter and Passed on Jan 18 2002. His name was Floyd B Wallace and Alice Wallace. I remember doing stuff for him and remember your name. May you Rest In Peace with all the other Chanter Shriners ❤️?
Charlie was a kind friend and his contributions to the families and friends of the Shrine will be missed. He was always able to put a smile on the faces of others with his genuine smile. A great man, a great mason, and a great friend.
-M. Watton and Family
To Charles “Yes Indeedy” Downing – You will always be remembered by “old time Boumi Members” ! You were a true Brother, fine Commodore, and you stood for alll that Free Masonry stands for. At our house your memory will always be in our hearts. God Bless to the whole Downing Family – may the wind remain always to their backs. Brooks & Peggy Broome, PC BSYC, and MAASYC.
Condolences to the entire family. We know he’s in a better place.
Richard and Stella Varner
Dear Elizabeth, My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Buddy and I grew up together, from grammer school, thru high school. We worked on the reunions together, he always was a great guy and lots of laughs. I always called him Smiley. May he now rest in Peace with God , I loved to him sing because I new it came from his heart. God Bless you and the family. Shirley Jones Maleski
My condolences to Elizabeth and the family. Charles was certainly one of a kind! He will be missed by many.
Dave Holman
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in God’s sure promise of a resurrection as set forth in the Bible (Acts 24:15, John 5:28, 29). Those who are raised to life on a restored paradise earth will have the prospect of never again being subjected to misery, sickness, and death (Revelation 21:4). These and other comforting Bible verses and thoughts can be found at jw.org.