Donald Craig Downing, Sr., 72, of Atkinson died Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born March 7, 1936 in Wilmington and was the son of the late Herman and Ethel Kelly Downing. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sue Downing.

Donald was a graduate of Atkinson High School and attended Wilmington College (now UNC at Wilmington). For many years he farmed in Pender County growing many crops including tobacco, strawberries, and his most loved crop, flowers. He was a member of Atkinson Baptist Church and past member of Atkinson Ruritan Club. For many years he served his country honorably in the US Army Reserves. Currently and for the past few years Donald was employed with Ezzell Trucking Company. Truck driving was Donald's lifelong passion and he became a king of the road.

Donald had a generous spirit whether it was with family, friends or complete strangers, he counted it a joy to share with others. With a twinkle in his eyes and a witty personality, Donald never met a stranger. Fond memories of Donald will forever remain in our hearts.

Surviving are his loving wife of twenty years, Gale Patricia "Pat" Downing of the home; sons, Herman Downing of Wilmington and Daniel Downing of Atkinson; step-children, Rose Milazzo of Atkinson, Michael Milazzo (Daniel Murphy) of San Diego, CA, Christopher Milazzo of Jupiter, FL and Gale Milazzo of Boynton Beach, FL; several special cousins and his beloved pets, Sissy and Baby.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Atkinson Baptist Church, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Atkinson Baptist Church with the Rev Douglas Warnock, Sr. officiating.

Burial will follow in Point Caswell Baptist Church Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Ricky Kelly, Jimmy Kelly, David Kelly, Sheldon Mekler, Ricky Rhyne and David Coleman.

Honorary bearers will be members of Men's Bible Class of Atkinson Baptist Church.

Memorial gifts may be given to Pender County Humane Society, PO Box 626, Burgaw, NC 28425, Atkinson Baptist Church, PO Box 368, Atkinson, NC or to the charity of one's choice.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.