Portia-Robert Adams (R.A.) Downing, 98, passed away Monday, July 8, 2019 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge.  He was born March 28, 1921 to William and Sarah Rebecca Adams Downing in Walnut Ridge. He married Virginia Charlene Wade on January 12, 1946 in Walnut Ridge. He resided in Lawrence County most of his life. R.A. was a truck driver for the Lawrence County Road Department. He served in the United States Navy during WWII on the USS Helena for two years and served another two years on the Saunter Mine Sweeper.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; parents; son, Larry Downing; three brothers and six sisters.

He is survived by daughters, Connie Blackwell (Jimmy) of Dexter, Missouri and Regina Robertson (Keith) of Walnut Ridge; grandchildren, Susie Blackwell, Sarah Blackwell, Angie Bobo (David), Lori Heard (Shane), Krista Robertson (Billy); and great-grandchildren, Tayler, Ty, Lane, Quinn, Hannah, Gracie, Reese, and Traxx; great-great grandchildren, Avery, Stetson, and Ella.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 10 until 11 a.m. at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.  Funeral will follow immediately at 11 am. with Jim Dunlap officiating. Burial will follow in Lawrence Memorial Park Cemetery.  Military honors will be rendered.  All arrangements are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home of Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Ty Boling, Hunter Flippo, Quinn Carson, Billy Ashley, Shane Heard and Derek Carson.

www.coxfhwalnutridge.com