Harold Eugene Downey

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Harold "Butch" Eugene Downey, who left us on February 12, 2026, at the age of 82. Butch was born on March 11, 1943, in Bessemer City, North Carolina, and spent his life touching the hearts of many through his art and music.

As an Air Force veteran, Butch served his country proudly and had quite the story to tell about his experience during the 9.2 magnitude earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska, on Good Friday in 1964. After his time in service, he took on the role of manager at Western Auto Warehouse, but his true passions lay in painting, sketching, and drawing. A talented artist, he found joy in expressing himself through various forms of art.

Butch was also a gifted musician, using his guitar and beautiful voice to spread the Gospel. He joyfully sang in churches, senior centers, and nursing homes, sharing his faith and uplifting spirits wherever he went.

Left to cherish Butch's memories are his numerous nieces and nephews. Butch was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Downey; parents, James Willie and Hattie Downey; brothers, Richard Arlan Downey, Jim Downey, and William Plato "Buck" Downey; sisters, Barbara Black, Marlene Childers, Joan Smith, and Joyce Buckner.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Westview Gardens, where Butch will be laid to rest and reunited with his wife. All are welcome to come together to celebrate the remarkable life of a man who was not only a beloved veteran and artist but also a shining light in our community.

Butch will be dearly missed but forever remembered for his kindness, talent, and the joy he brought into the lives of so many.