Jack Nelson Downs

Jack Nelson ìDaddy Jackî Downs, 84, of Mills River, died Monday, October 10, at the Elizabeth House. A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Beacher and Cora Gossett Downs.

He had lived in Leicester and Franklin before moving to Henderson County in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army as an MP during World War II, and had retired from Berkeley Mills after 30 years with the company. He was an active member of New Beginnings Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon and a volunteer in partnership with Manna Food Bank. He also joined the church pastor in visiting nursing homes and the Elizabeth House. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Downs, and grandson, Zack Huntley.

Mr. Downs is survived by three children, Linda Downs Lowery of Hendersonville, Gary Nelson Downs and his wife Angela of Lincoln, NE and Jeffrey Lee Downs of Lincoln, NE; four grandchildren, Summer Huntley-Dale and her husband Kevin of Etowah, Gary Downs, Jr. and his wife Terra of Lincoln, NE, Becky Norgaard and her husband Ben of Spencer, Iowa and Nick Downs of Lincoln, NE; nine great-grandchildren, Cassidy Dale, Alley, Maggie, and Heidi Norgaard, Alivia, Hailey and Caleb Downs, Alena and Sawyer Fisher-Liebers.

A funeral will be held 3:00 pm Friday, October 14, at the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Rev. Billy Balcom will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Military honors will conducted by Hubert M. Smith VFW Post # 5206, American Legion Post #77 and Chapter 14 of the DAV. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 pm Thursday, October 13, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. At other times they will be at the residence of Kevin and Summer Dale.

Memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life Elizabeth House, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731.