Richard Nettles Downer, 70, died Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at his home in Richland, Georgia.

Born in Albany, Georgia on April 26, 1949, Richard was the son of late James Frank Downer and Ann Nettles Downer.  His father preceded him in death.  His mother is 102 years old.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sally Jo Downer of Richland, Georgia, his son, Richard Melton Downer of Atlanta, Georgia, stepson, Daniel Scott Kelley (Karen) of Dover, Florida, stepdaughter, Mary Beth Castleberry (Clint) of Richland, Georgia; four grandchildren: Zane, Wimberly, Bayne, Bryce; a brother, James Sanders Downer (Jane) of Atlanta, Georgia, a sister, Deborah Downer Chase (Russ) of Hendersonville, North Carolina, a sister, Dora Downer Carroll (Pete) of Kalispell, Montana; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard graduated from the University of Georgia.  He has held many different jobs but retired from the State of Georgia as an agricultural inspector.

He loved to fish, hunt, read, play tennis and golf.  He and his wife watched Jeopardy and the Atlanta Braves religiously.  He taught all the grandchildren to fish.  He loved the "farm", his family and friends dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday morning, August 1, 2019 at 11:00 AM, at Baldwin Funeral Home Chapel in Richland, Ga.  The family will visit with friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers:  Stewart Webster Cancer Fund, 6381 Hamilton St., Preston, GA 31824

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.   Visit the online guest book on the Baldwin Funeral Home web site at www.baldwinfuneralhome.com .  Baldwin Funeral Home, 50 Charles Overby Dr., P. O. Box 394, Richland, GA 31825       229-887-2750