Shirley Ray Downs, formerly of Benton. He was born in Gilbertsville, Kentucky, to Herbert and Pauline Allen Downs. Shirley Ray is survived by wife of 72 years, Bethel Ann Armstrong Downs; daughter Sabrina Downs of Nashville, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Irmadean Pugh, Betty Jo Fulbright, Clara Mae Dunigan, and Sharon Ann Hartwell.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and proudly served in the U.S. Army. Shirley Ray was a retired iron worker out of Paducah Union Local 782 his entire career.
Per his request there will be no visitation or service. Private burial will be in the Johnston/Armstrong Cemetery on Scale Road in Benton, Kentucky.
Memorials can be made to the Downs Family Fund for cleft lip/palate Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, a long-established fund for Kentucky children in need.
Memorials can be mailed to Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation Fenley Office Park B 4965 U.S. Highway 42, Suite 1000 Louisville, KY 40222 or online at nortonchildrens.com/donate.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
