Obituary for Zachary Ryan Downs
Zachary Ryan Downs, 34, of Catawba, crossed over from this life to the next on Friday, July 9, 2020.
Zachary was a man who did things his way, he walked to the beat of his own drum but had a heart of gold and loved unconditionally. A hard-working young man who spent many years working as a landscaper and performing various types of odd jobs for folks in the community. It was no secret that he had many medical issues that held him back from excelling far beyond his dreams at times, however, he never let it stop him. A talented self-taught tattoo artist, he loved to draw as well as create and had the ability to free-hand many of his own tattoos. His talents were not only displayed in his ink creations, but he also had a love for woodworking. A life that ended too soon but will never be forgotten. His memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will continue to thrive in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Zachary is preceded in death by his great-great-grandparents, James and Francis Frazier; great-grandparents, Kenneth and Louise Downs; as well as his paternal grandfather, Kenneth Collins.
Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Amber Spencer, and shared over six years of love and laughter together; mother, Crystal Wilkinson (Brian); father, David Downs (Renee); uncle, Shannon McDaniel; children, Dakoda, Mariah, and Karleigh Downs; grandparents, Barbara and Jerry Downs, as well as his grandmother, JoEllen McDaniel; also left to cherish his memory are countless loved ones and dear friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 12, 2020, from 2 to 4:00 & 6 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. Zachary will be laid to rest on Monday, July 13, 2020, following a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Roanoke, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Roy Kanode will be officiating.
Zachary was a man who did things his way, he walked to the beat of his own drum but had a heart of gold and loved unconditionally. A hard-working young man who spent many years working as a landscaper and performing various types of odd jobs for folks in the community. It was no secret that he had many medical issues that held him back from excelling far beyond his dreams at times, however, he never let it stop him. A talented self-taught tattoo artist, he loved to draw as well as create and had the ability to free-hand many of his own tattoos. His talents were not only displayed in his ink creations, but he also had a love for woodworking. A life that ended too soon but will never be forgotten. His memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will continue to thrive in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Zachary is preceded in death by his great-great-grandparents, James and Francis Frazier; great-grandparents, Kenneth and Louise Downs; as well as his paternal grandfather, Kenneth Collins.
Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Amber Spencer, and shared over six years of love and laughter together; mother, Crystal Wilkinson (Brian); father, David Downs (Renee); uncle, Shannon McDaniel; children, Dakoda, Mariah, and Karleigh Downs; grandparents, Barbara and Jerry Downs, as well as his grandmother, JoEllen McDaniel; also left to cherish his memory are countless loved ones and dear friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 12, 2020, from 2 to 4:00 & 6 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. Zachary will be laid to rest on Monday, July 13, 2020, following a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Roanoke, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Roy Kanode will be officiating.