Bernice “Buddy” Downs, 84, a native of Wilburton, Okla., and a resident of Bon Secour, died Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at home surrounded by family.
He retired from the U.S. Navy after 24 years of service, serving in World War II and Vietnam. He was a life member of the VFW Post 5658, Elberta and a member of the American Legion, Gulf Shores.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Downs; two brothers, Merle and Bill Downs; and two sisters, Virginia Meinke and Alva Browne.
Survivors include daughter, Frances (Richard) Weikleenget of Foley; two grandchildren, Rick (Monica) Weikleenget of Modesto, Calif., and Wendy (Jason) Godwin of Clarksville, Tenn.; two great-grandchildren, Cody and Cora Godwin; brother-in-law, Fred (Betty) Black of Niceville, Fla.; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Black of Pensacola, Fla., and Daisy Black of Repton; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 12 from the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Pine Rest Memorial Park.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Foley. Online at www.wolfefuneralhome.net.
