A Life Story

Stephen "Steve" Downing passed away in Savannah on March 17th after a short illness, surrounded by his Family.Steve was born in Miami, Florida in 1975, to Rosemary (Emerick) Downing and Brendan James Downing. Steve was raised in Savannah, GA and attended St James Catholic School. He attended High School at Benedictine Military School (c/o '95), where he was a 4 year Letterman on the BC Football Team, 4 Year JROTC Officer and Secretary of the Student Body his Senior Year. After graduating High School, Steve attended Armstrong College. After Armstrong, Steve held multiple positions over the years to include Golf Course Grounds Management, Retail Stocking, Grocery and Warehouse Management Roles.Steve was a Member of the Savannah Jaycees, Catholic Singles and attended the Savannah Quarterback Club. Steve was a huge dog lover, an avid sports fan, particularly University of Georgia Football, PGA Golf and College Basketball. He never met a stranger, always greeted everyone with a smile and would give you the shirt off his back. Steve loved nothing more than being with Friends, watching and talking sports, attending an oyster roast with a cold beverage, walking in the St Patrick's Day Parade each year or spending time in Hilton Head at the Annual Downing Family Gathering. Steve is survived by his Mother Rosemary Downing, Brother Pat Downing (Katie) and Aunt Carolyn L Emerick, all current residents of Savannah, GA. His Uncle Bruce Downing (Donna) of Winchester, VA, his Aunt Carroll Downing (Brian deceased) of Mount Laurel, New Jersey and cousins Edward Downing (Amanda) of Roanoke, VA, and their son Gus, Christopher Downing (Wilma) of Charlotte, NC, and their sons Brendan and Connor and Kevin Downing (Denise) of Mount Laurel, New Jersey and their daughters Erin and Caitlin. He is also survived by numerous other cousins in Savannah. Steve is preceded in death by his Father Brendan James Downing, Grandparents Frank and Nell Fitzgerald Emerick and Col. Robert and Margaret Downing, his Cousin John Patrick Downing and his Uncle, Brian Thomas Downing. Steve's legacy will be remembered through the many people's lives he enriched by his genuine kindness and his presence. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.In lieu of flowers, the Family has asked for donations to the Humane Society or Benedictine Military School.