Neil Downey

Neil Bertrand Downey died in his home in Gulf Breeze, Florida on Monday, October 24, 2011 from heart failure. He was 83. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on June 2, 1928 to Pearl and Andrew Downey. Neil was Valedictorian of his 1946 Tate High School class in Cantonment, Florida, where he also excelled in basketball and football. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1950 and later received a Master of Science Degree in mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. In 1952 Neil married Erschel Ann Whiddon of Perry, Florida. They had four daughters, Bridget, Carla (known as Squeaky), Melissa, and Phyllis. For 22 years, Neil served in the United States Army, achieving a final rank of Full Colonel. His military career was highlighted with a number of awards from his wartime service in Korea, including the Silver Star and Legion of Merit. He went on to hold distinguished posts in the Pentagon and taught mathematics during two assignments at West Point. His post-military career included challenging positions with CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation). His career enabled him to travel and live throughout the world, including posts in Germany and Taiwan. The family lived for many years in the northern Virginia area after which he retired in Gulf Breeze, Florida, as he always said he wanted to move back to the vicinity of Pensacola where he grew up. He is survived by his children; Bridget Downey and husband Bob Butler of Asheville, North Carolina, Squeaky and Tom Connors of Hugo, Minnesota, Melissa and Doug Middleton of Hedgesville, West Virginia, and Phyllis and Joe Justo of Freeport, Florida, grandchildren; Zachary Deardoff, Nathaniel Deardoff, Laura Connors, Daniel and Tiffany Connors, Timothy Connors, Amy Connors, Frank Showalter, Jesse Downey, Megan Downey, and Geoffrey and Rosalie Ducote, great-grandson; Jayden Ducote. Neil was preceded in death by his wife; Erschel, his brother; Andrew Downey, and his sister; Jane Sepaugh. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, Gulf Breeze. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a later date. The family may be contacted by e-mail at floridaphyl@yahoo.com (Phyllis Downey Justo) The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice for their many kindnesses that made it possible for Neil B. Downey to remain comfortable in his home until his death. In remembrance of Neil the family asks that you make a contribution to your favorite charity.