Gatress Andrew Downs
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Gatress Andrew Downs, Jr. of Athens, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2021 at the age of 79.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents Gatress Andrew Downs, Sr. and Genevieve George Downs and his sister Joan Marie Downs (Matt) Kukrall.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Lane Parker Downs of Athens, formerly of Winder. He is also survived by a step-son Joshua (Anna) Brantley, step-daughter Morgan Brantley (Jason) Power, brother Donald (Elizabeth) Downs, and four grandchildren: Brantley Power, Grace Power, Parker Brantley, and Ella Brantley.
Before moving to Winder, Mr. Downs lived and worked in Manhattan, New York. He was a graduate of Princess Anne High School in Lynnhaven, VA, and the University of Georgia where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Mr. Downs served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves in Cape May, New Jersey. He had a long and successful career as a designer. He was the owner of Parrish-Woodworth, Boutique Florist, in New York City. He was a Fashion Designer for Andrew Downs Collections and a Private Label manufacturer and designer for Saks Fifth Avenue, Horchow Collection, Victoria's Secret Clothing. He also owned a clothing factory. Mr. Downs was a writer for various newspapers and was an editor for The Athens Observer. He will also be remembered as a Decorator and Home Designer with Andrew Downs & Company in Athens, GA.
A memorial service for Mr. Downs will be held at Smith Memory Chapel in Winder on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am until service time at the Funeral Home. An inurnment will follow at Nazareth Methodist Church. The service will be officiated by Reverend Robert W. Greene, pastor of Ashford Memorial Methodist Church.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, has been entrusted with arrangements.