Thomas Michael Downey

Thomas Michael Downey, 74, died Sunday, December 19, 2010 at Embracing Hospice in Cumming, Georgia, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Mr. Downey is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lydia, their three children: Laurajean Tucker, Tara Downey-Miller, Michael, and two sisters: Carol Ann and Jeanne. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Lucas, Nolan, Tate, Nicholas, Autumn, Liam, and Jack. Mr. Downey was born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, in 1936 to Thomas and Mary Downey, and he was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a longtime resident of Brownsburg, Indiana, before moving to Gainesville, Georgia, in 2007. After serving as a sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Downey worked with the Federal Aviation Administration for 39 years. He began his career as an air traffic controller and rose to the rank of assistant chief of the Indianapolis Air Traffic Control Center. His duties included accident investigation, service as an expert witness, management, and quality assurance. Mr. Downey was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was a 27-year member of St. Malachy Church and most recently a member of Christ Redeemer Catholic Church in Dawsonville, Georgia. Mr. Downey will be remembered as a man of integrity, courage, gentleness, and humor. He was quick with a story and even quicker with a hand to help a person in need. He never knew a stranger and was a hero to his family and friends. Visitation will be Monday, December 27, 2010 from 4 to 8 pm at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center-Speedway. Services will be at 10 am, Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Entombment will take place at West Ridge Park Cemetery. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan