Mr. E.C. “Sambo” Downes Jr., 90, husband of Nancy Richardson Downes and a resident of Capeville, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk. A native of Townsend, he was the son of the late Eber C. Downes Sr. and the late Matilda H. Downes. He was a retired farmer and salesman for Miller Chemical Company. Mr. Downes was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development Policy. He also served three four-year terms on State of Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He was a 50-year member of the Capeville Masonic Lodge #107 AF&AM and member of Capeville United Methodist Church.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by three stepchildren, H. Bruce Richardson, Christian Richardson, and Eve R. Carstens and her husband, Johnny; sister-in-law, Frances Downes; four stepgrandchildren, Nathan Richardson, Elizabeth Richardson, Samuel Richardson, and Will Carstens; two nieces, Patricia Peters and her husband, Pete, and Cheryl Saher and her husband, Wes; and two great-nieces, Mandy Peters and Cassie Byrn and her husband, Jimmy.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Capeville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Linda Lowe officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Capeville United Methodist Church, c/o H.H. Scott, 4301 Townsend Dr. Cape Charles, VA 23310.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Wilkins-Doughty Funeral Home in Cape Charles.