John Ethridge Downer, age 73, of Duncanville, AL passed away March 27, 2021 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Dogwood Chapel with Rev. Noah Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Franconia-Oak Grove Cemetery in Aliceville with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at Dogwood Chapel, 200 5th Street NE in Aliceville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George N. Downer, III.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Downer; daughter, Angela Rawson (Robby); grandson, Randall Wright (Olivia), granddaughter, Britney Rawson; great-granddaughter, Violet Wright;
stepsons, Brian Watson and Darrell Watson (Lisa); step-grandchildren, Justin, Steven, Bradley (Samantha), Austin, Koby and Liberty Watson; step great-grandchildren, Ayden, Hunter, Mason, Christina and Eli Watson; niece, Lisa Downer Moore and nephew, George N. Downer IV.
John was born August 12, 1947 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the late George N. Downer, Jr. and Eleanor Ethridge Downer. He was a former member of First United Methodist Church of Aliceville and attended Duncanville First United Methodist Church. John attended Aliceville High School and graduated from Meridian High School in Meridian, MS.
John owned Downer Beverage Company in Meridian, MS and was employed at Tuscaloosa Chevrolet for many years. He was the founder and previous owner of John's Convenience Stores in Tuscaloosa, AL and a former candidate for Tuscaloosa County Commission District 3.
His grandchildren will serve as Pallbearers.
Honorary Pallbearers are Liberty and Ayden Watson, Relda Phillips, former customers, employees and associates of John's Convenience Stores, Aliceville High School Class of 1965, friends and neighbors of the Hagler/Duncanville communities and the Hagler Volunteer Fire Department.
A special thank you to our grandson, Steven for taking such good care of him and his physical therapist, Edgar and nurse, Lena.