Oliver Jackson Downey
Oliver Jackson Downey Jr., 79, of Waterloo, husband of Elizabeth Thompson Downey for 56 years, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 7, 2025 while at home surrounded by his family. He courageously battled bone cancer for over two years.
Mr. Downey was the son of the late Elizabeth Bennett Downey & Oliver Jackson Downey, Sr.. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather who loved being called ‘Poppy’ by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Downey was described by many as a very hard-working, loving, caring, honest, and fun individual.
Mr. Downey was a graduate of Dorman High Schools first class of 1965. He attended Spartanburg Community College and served in the Army Reserve for four years. He worked for Sears in Spartanburg for 39 years in various roles. After retirement, Oliver affectionally known as Poppy, worked at Woodruff Middle School to be near his grandchildren. He then spoiled them daily with a treat from Chick-Fil-A. Mr. Downey was an active member of Spartanburg Jaycees, where an award, The Oliver Downey Brotherhood Award, continues to be given annually in his honor. He raised his family in Spartanburg, where they were longtime members of Southside Baptist Church. After many years in Spartanburg, he and Beth moved to Lake Greenwood to enjoy retirement and became active members of Waterloo United Methodist Church. He made instant friends in the community and went back to work at the local HandyMan Market.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Downey is survived by his children, Brent (Jan) Downey, and Amy (Cindy) Downey; grandchildren, Grace (Josh) Downey, and Jackson Downey; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh & Hadley; siblings, Ronnie Bullman (Susan), John Bullman and Libby Thornton (Chuck); brother in law David Thompson (Sue). He was Uncle Ollie to his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by siblings, Jofey Downey, Doris Bullman, Louise Horne, and Kathy Murphy. It was in his sister’s, Doris Bullman’s, home that he was raised after his parents passed away.
Services will be held on Sunday March 9th, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Waterloo United Methodist Church, 138 Rocking C Ranch Drive, Waterloo, SC 29384.
Beth, Amy, and Brent,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am comforted in the fact that my mom, dad, and Michael are with him in Heaven. Love always, Kerri (Austin) Moore.
I am so sorry for your loss. Oliver was always such a sweet, kind person and I know you will miss him. I am praying for your family.
Beth Brent , and Amy I am so sorry to hear about Oliver. You guys were such great neighbors. I haven’t forgotten how good you both to me and my family when we lost Benny . I wish I was able to do the same for you. You all will be in my prayers.
Beth I am so sorry to read this. Oliver was such a sweet person and I know you will miss him. I am keeping you and the family in my prayers. Love you
Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont wishes to extend its condolences to the family of Oliver Downey. Hospice considered it a privilege to care for Mr. Downey during his illness.
Beth, I am so sorry to hear of Oliver’s passing. May God provide peace and comfort in the days ahead as only He can. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
I thoroughly enjoyed growing up and sharing schools with Oliver!! He was warm , sweet and funny. He will be missed. 🙏❤️