WILMINGTON — William Noble Downie, Jr., age 77, passed away at his home on Monday, November 11th, 2024, alongside his loving wife.
He was born on June 11th, 1947, in New London, Connecticut to the late William Noble Downie, Sr. and Lillian Fouhey Downie.
Bill attended New London High School. He loved playing ball with his friends and father in the neighborhood, playacting army in Bates Woods, and picking blueberries in what is now the Devonshire Drive area of Waterford (where he would later live). He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. He taught at Waterford and Guilford High Schools. After spending half his career teaching, he changed careers and spent 24 years as a Structural Designer at Electric Boat designing nuclear submarines. Bill was a photographer. He photographed many weddings and filled his family albums with stunning pictures of his loved ones.
Bill served in the Connecticut National Guard for six years and was proud of his service. He had many passions throughout his life, fully immersing himself in sailing, the Red Sox, the Civil War, and studying the Bible.
Bill’s family brought him great joy. He adored and admired his wife, Ellen. Her touch and calm voice brought him great comfort to the end. And he loved being a dad. He was a very present and engaged father—listening to his children’s stories and desiring to share his passions with his children and grandchildren. Bill’s last request was for the family to gather for one last Thanksgiving dinner. His family hosted early Thanksgiving and made that wish come true.
Bill’s greatest desire was to serve God. As a faithful follower of Jesus, Bill put his hope and trust in the promise of eternal life with Christ after death.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Sauer Downie; his children, Kate Downie, Maggie Downie (Matt Atwater), Helen Odell (Josh), William Downie III (Jeanette); his grandchildren, William Downie IV, Quentin Odell, Joanna Downie, Matthew Odell, Caleb Odell; and his faithful dog, Bowie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Coastal Community Baptist Church or the Humane Society of your choice.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
