William "Billy" J. Downey Jr.

William “Billy” J. Downey, Jr. passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of Gay Hebert Downey for 67 years. Father of Donald M. Downey (Gale), Gay Lynn Willis (Mark) and the late William “Bill” J. Downey III, and Lee Ann Downey. Son of the late Lena Tripolino Downey and William J. Downey, Sr. Brother of the late Marianne Downey Groppi. Grandfather of Shane Downey (Debbie) and Beau Downey (Danielle). Great grandfather of Charlotte Downey and Alex Downey. He was a graduate of Behrman High School Class of 1951. He participated in all four sports during his high school years. After four years serving his country in the United States Air Force as a Radar Technician, he returned home and worked for Western Electric Phone Company as a Technical Installer for 30 years and then retired. During his retirement, he worked as a personal transportation driver for New Orleans Baton Rouge Pilot Association for 34 years. The rest of his life was spent with his wife traveling around the world by land and sea. The one passion in his life was reading the newspaper and the obituaries and keeping up with news on TV. He also enjoyed having lunch at all the local restaurants. He was a member of American Legion Post 222, Harvey, LA for 20 years and a member of the 40 & 8 Club. He was also a server at Judge John Molaison, Sr.’s Wild Game Dinner for 25 years. He was a native of Algiers, LA and a resident of Harvey, LA. Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass in the chapel of Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, LA on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 1pm. Visitation will be held from 11am until 1pm. Interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4464, Houston, Texas 77210-4464 or on their website mdanderson.org. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com .