Born May 17, 1931 in Vernon, TX.  One of five boys born to Henry and Addie Downing.  He was the middle son.

Ray passed away October 22, 2017.  

In Loving Memory of
Cecil Ray Downing

Funeral Service
Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home
Arlington, TX
October 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Officiating
Pastor Bart McDonald
Pastor Jared Wellman

Entombment & Military Honors
Moore Memorial Gardens 
Arlington, TX
October 27, 2017

Service attended by Patriot Guard and our two family members were allowed to ride their motorcycles in honor of Ray.  They were Randy Downing, nephew and Leonard Byars, our "adopted" son.  Our Granddaughter, Gigi Downing also rode with Leonard.  Patriot Guard was requested by Ray and his only request was "Take the long way to the cemetery, so everyone can see the Patriot Guard performing a great service to veterans."

Ray lived his life to the fullest, totally loving his family.  Ray was taught to be satisfied with life but always strive to improve.  

Rays greatest pride was being an Army Chief Warrant Officer, a highly respected rank with the Military.  He had a distinguished US Army career for more than 25 years.  Ray was awarded more than 20 medals and citations during  his military career, 2 Army commendation medals from Korea and Germany.  Including the Bronze Star Medal from Vietnam.  While in the Army, Ray attended ten formal military schools.  He was proud to be an American.  After retiring from the Army he started his own business, until retiring in 1987.
He was born May 17, 1931 in Vernon, TX, graduating from high school in Wichita Falls, TX.  Ray, a strong and dedicated Christian, maintained an extreme awareness of family responsibilities, raising three children (his 3 B's).  With a strong passion for travel, he served in or visited 27 countries, plus six years extensive travels with Wanda  in his motor home.  He enjoyed humor and was noted for his wit and "one-liners."
Ray's testimony:  "Through it all-I learned to trust in Jesus.  I learned to trust in God.  I learned to trust upon his word."

Ray wrote this before his passing.  
So proud to call him my Husband, my friend and confidante. 

A Fallen Limb
A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says "Grieve not for me."
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I's counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don't worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the days comes we're together again.

Anonymous

Ray and I were married two weeks shy of 40 years together.  He was a loving husband and companion.  We shared a good life and something to be proud of.  God blessed both of us by putting us together.  We shared our families and we are so proud of each and everyone of our children.  He had 3 and I had 2 and we were always very close.  We loved our blended family.  So many grandchildren, greats and great, great grandparents.  Ray was a great military man and was so proud to be his military wife.  Always so very, very proud of him and his military career.  Love and miss you every day, my loving husband and military guy.


CECIL RAY DOWNING

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US ARMY

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MOORE MEMORIAL GARDENS & CEMETERY

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