Thomas Tommy Martin Downey, Jr.

1937 ∼ 2009

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Thomas Tommy Martin Downey, Jr., went home to be with his Lord Sunday, May 31, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born June 4, 1937 in Port Arthur, Texas to Thomas M. Downey, Sr. and Rosa Dixon Downey.

Tommy was a long time resident of Orange and Bridge City, having been employed by Sabine Supply and Firestone in Orange, also King Fisher Marine Service of Port Lavaca, Texas. He proudly served as Greeter and Deacon of Harvest Time Bible Church in Port Arthur. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Billie Sterns Downey of Bridge City; his daughters, Tina J.D. Nezat of Denham Springs, LA, Nina James Birdwell of Bridge City, and Nanette Greg Graham of Mauriceville; and his son, Keith Downey of Bridge City. Also surviving are his brother, Thomas W. Downey of Lufkin, TX; and sister, Marie Kea of Nederland, TX. The delight of his life was serving his Lord and enjoying his six grandchildren, Britni Thomas Givens, Wesley Nezat and Sarah Nezat of Denham Springs, LA, Carmel Jean CJ Birdwell, Katie Birdwell and Chloe Downey of Bridge City.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Marvin E. Moore of Harvest Time Bible Church in Port Arthur.

Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 5:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Condolences

Anonymous June 7, 2009

On behalf of the New York Downey's may I humbly extend our condolences to those who mourn the passing of our "Cuz" . He is now in a place which we all strive to go to. God Bless you Tommy. Jim Downey##imported-begin##Jim Downey##imported-end##

Anonymous June 5, 2009

Billie - Nancy and I wish to offer our sincerest condolences for you and your family. It was an honor to have known Tommy, and we thank God for loaning him to us for the time he had here on earth. I am sure God has plans for him in his new home. Be tha##imported-begin##Leon & Nancy Stearns##imported-end##

Anonymous June 4, 2009

Vickie..and your precious family: I feel sadness for you and yours, but I feel gladness when I consider Thomas' present status and living arrangements. Two things: 1 this hasn't happened without God knowing about it; easy 2 It hasn't happened without God##imported-begin##Dee Black##imported-end##

Anonymous June 4, 2009

BILLIE: This is Dee again, and offering my sincere apologies for calling you Vickie. I'm not sure what I was thinking unless you have a child and/or relative by that name, I had read in the obituary, and just slipped in there. Anyway....sorry. Dee##imported-begin##Dee Black##imported-end##

Anonymous June 4, 2009

Aunt Billie, I will never forget how sweet and kind you and Uncle Buddy have always been to me. I had two favorite uncles my entire life...Uncle Bud was one of them. I will never forget our time together in the chapel. Thank you for being my strength w##imported-begin##Dale and Shirley Stagg##imported-end##

Anonymous June 3, 2009

Billie Sorry to hear about Thomas. Thomas and I had some good times together as we grew up at Hudson School. He will be missed by all of us. My prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family.##imported-begin##Royce Kendrick##imported-end##

Anonymous June 3, 2009

Billie, In your time of sorrow we offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. We will always remember Tommy's smiling face and the good conversations we had with him at all the reunions. He will be sorely missed. May God bless you in your time##imported-begin##Allen Stearns##imported-end##

Anonymous June 3, 2009

Nina, We wished that we could be there today for you, but know that you all have been in our thoughts and prayers. The life, and death, of your Daddy has been such a witness to us. We Love Y'all, Nellie,Keith and Jillian##imported-begin##Nelwn##imported-end##

Anonymous June 3, 2009

We are very sorry for your loss. Look up to stars as they are the windows of our loved ones watching over us. Our sympathy to the family. I work with Tina in Baton Rouge##imported-begin##Rae & Gary Hurston##imported-end##

Anonymous June 3, 2009

Billie, I am so sorry for your loss! I am sorry that I did not realize what had happened. I went home at lunch today and then guessed what was going on by the cars and people. Please feel free to call me any time and let me know if you need anything. ##imported-begin##Sue Groff##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Tommy. Parents are a big part of our lives and I know he will be missed dearly. Our prayers are with you. Terry, Denise, Kendall and Kameron The Williams##imported-begin##Denise Williams##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

Billie and Family, Knowing that we are to rejoice at the death of our loved ones who are saved by God's grace is a mystery to some. Yes, we have sorrow, but that sorrow we feel is for ourselves because of our loss. When all is right between us and our G##imported-begin##Genevieve Zirlott Wilcox##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

Nina, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your entire family. Your Dad was wonderful & kind man & I know he was very proud of his entire family. We love you all & are here for you always. God bless you all & we lo##imported-begin##Jada##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

Words, however kind, can't mend your heartache, but those who care and, share your loss wish you, comfort and peace of mind., May you find strength, in the love of family, and in the warm embrace, of friends. Deepest Sympathy##imported-begin##Jim and Bettie Starnes##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

Dearest Billie, I'm so very sorry for your loss; however, I know you are pleased to know that Tommy escaped his old and sick body to go live with our Lord and Savior for all eternity. He'll be there waiting for you when the time comes for you to join hi##imported-begin##Patsy Hines##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

##imported-begin##Bill Young##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

Billie, I'm Sorry to hear about Tommy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill Young##imported-begin##Bill Young##imported-end##

Anonymous June 2, 2009

Tommy and I are the long-lost cousins that didn't find each other until a December night in 2001, and we became very close and loving family members from then on. What an effusive, positive, enthusiastic and loving guy he was. He ended every phone call ##imported-begin##David & Carolyn Todd##imported-end##

Anonymous June 1, 2009

Dear Billie & Family, Many loving thoughts are with you in your sorrow. Tommy is surely in a better place and went there knowing how much you all love him. He was a fortunate man who left us too soon. Bless you all now and always. Love, Anne##imported-begin##Anne Downey##imported-end##

Anonymous June 1, 2009

Please accept my sincere condolence on the death of Tommy Downey. He always had a smile for everyone. Only gone from our sight until we meet again.##imported-begin##Arlee McCoy##imported-end##

Anonymous June 1, 2009

Tommy was a dear friend and we will always remember the wonderful times we spent together. Darrell and Sue##imported-begin##Darrell and Sue Hinson##imported-end##

Anonymous June 1, 2009

Dear Billie & Family, Frank & I send our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Although we are sad, we also stand rejoicing with you for your beloved Tommy's Heavenly Homecoming. May the God of all comfort hold you in His arms. Much Love, Glenda & Frank##imported-begin##Glenda & Frank DellaCroce##imported-end##

Anonymous June 1, 2009

Billie, Coy and I Will keep you in our prayers. I always enjoyed talking to Tom. He had encouraging words for me in Monroe in 2007. Delane##imported-begin##Delane & Coy Briggs##imported-end##

Anonymous June 1, 2009

Billie we are sorry to hear about Tommy we know he is with Jesus and we rejoice with you is this. Our prayers are with you and the Kids that God will surround you'all with his love and keep you safe##imported-begin##A.J and Hazel Starnes##imported-end##

Anonymous June 1, 2009

##imported-begin##Bill Starnes##imported-end##