George Preston Downing, Sr.  was born on January 29, 1933. He was the son of the late Henry and Virgil Downing. He was born in Horntown, Virginia then later moved to Lewis, Delaware.

At the age of 19 1/2 he went into the U.S. Army where he served 2 years as a medic and later known as SSC Downing in the Army. After a few years he joined the Army National Guard, and he received an honorable discharge. He later met and married Thelma Leach and 4 children came from that union. George would again join the Army in 1996 and finally retired from the Army National Guard as a Staff Sergeant with an honorable discharge. The military was a big part of his life and he loved it.

George accepted Christ at an early age and was a long-time member of Bethel Pentecostal Church where he served as a trustee.

He loved being a father and loved his family. He later would step into the role of father for the grand children who needed one. He also had the entrepreneurial spirit and he owned several businesses:  a corner store, a clothing cleaner, route and a fish truck, where he could be heard yelling from the bull horn "I'm the man with the stepping can, we get your fish ready for the frying pan." He also sold vegetables from his garden. George was very good with his hands. He worked as plumber, mechanic, electrician, and a contractor. He did it all, never did he ever have to call a repairman. He could always be seen riding in his freshly washed Eldorado Cadillac with the big white walls on the tires and his octagon sunglasses, he loved that car. He was patient, caring, and a loving man who cared for his sick wife until he could no longer do it. He stayed by her side until the end. He worked years at Wheaton Glass and then retired.

He leaves to cherish his memories 2 sisters: Hatty and Darlene, 3 sons: George Jr., Charles and Michael, 1 daughter Yvonne Downing, 5 granddaughters: Astin, Ashlyn Galarza, Erica Lindsey, Brianna, Sharee Downing, 6 grandsons: Michael Jr., Kyshawn Burch, Brandon Young, Charles Jr., and Makihi Downing, and Eric Lindsey, special thanks to his great granddaughter Tatiyana Willingham and Ayreionna Lindsey for all the care during his time at Eagleview Health and Rehabilitation.

He was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Downing.