Larry "Ron" Downey

Larry Ronald "Ron" Downey, age 72, passed away on September 22, 2025, in Anniston, Alabama. A devoted servant of faith and music, Ron's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to ministry, community service, and the joy of sharing music with others.

Born on August 5, 1953, in Gadsden, Alabama, Ron was the son of James "Big Jim" and Lillie Grace Downey. He attended Gadsden High School class of 1971, he was active in DECA and participated in both concert and marching bands. His passion for music led him to study voice at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. At age 29, while attending Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Oxford, Alabama, he answered his call to ministry—a decision that would guide the rest of his life.

Ron served as a music minister for over forty years in churches across Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana. His love for gospel music touched countless lives through the choirs he led and every note he sang. In addition to his ministry work, Ron spent 45 years as a radio announcer—many of those at WGAD in Gadsden—where his warm and familiar voice became a comforting presence to listeners.

His talents extended beyond the pulpit and airwaves. Ron was part owner and Technical Director of a dinner theater in Griffin, Georgia. He also served as Chaplain for the Butts County Sheriff's Office and Jackson Police Department in Georgia. Through TLC Ministries, which he founded, Ron built wheelchair ramps and performed home repairs for those in need. He also repaired and donated washers and dryers to families throughout his community.

Ron is survived by his wife Becky Moore Downey of Attalla, AL; daughter Dana Downey Merritt (Marcelo Vanegas) of Braselton, GA; stepdaughter Hollie Balliet of Gadsden, AL; granddaughter Ashley (Landon) Cordle of Anniston, AL; step-grandson Josh (Bianca) Cornelius; step-great-grandsons Remington and Rylan Cornelius of Gadsden, AL; brothers Gary (Sylvia) Downey of Rainbow City, AL and Jim Downey of Anniston, AL; and many nieces and nephews. Also mourning his loss is his 19-year-old cat, Leroy Downey.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Dawna Downey Bozeman; parents James "Big Jim" and Lillie Grace Downey; brother Jerry Downey; and mother-in-law Jaunita Moore.

A lifelong Christian of the Baptist faith, Ron was saved at age seven at Valley Street Baptist Church in Gadsden. Though he sensed a calling into ministry at age thirteen, it wasn't until sixteen years later that he surrendered to that calling, a decision that led him on a journey filled with purpose and grace.

An avid Auburn fan who never met a stranger, Ron brought light into every room he entered. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with kindness, compassion, laughter and song.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on October 19, 2025.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.