Ralph Downey

Mr. Ralph Walter Downey, age 93, a resident of Franklin, passed away Saturday evening, April 18, 2020 at his residence.

A graveside service will be held at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Pegram, at a later date, with Father Bala officiating. Heritage Funeral Home in Columbia is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born July 3, 1926 in Highland Park, Michigan, Ralph was the son of the late Joseph Alexander Downey, and the late Frances Buchkawski Downey. A 1943 graduate of Detroit Catholic Central, he served bravely in the United States Army and worked as a lineman for Detroit Edison Company for 47 years. He enjoyed gardening and was a very active member of the Serra Club in Williamson County. He was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Downey; nine children; one brother; two sisters; thirteen grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.