Richard Lee Downing

CHARLOTTE - Richard Lee Downing, 87, of Charlotte, NC formerly of Weaverville, NC, passed away on March 7, 2024, at his home.  He was the son of Frederick and Helen (Jahnke) Downing.

He was born on April 23, 1936, in Freeport, IL and graduated from Freeport High School in 1954.   He was a United States Air Force Veteran.  He married Barbara Brinkmeier on November 24, 1957, and they were married for 66 years.

He was a manager for Micro Switch (Honeywell) for 37 years.  He worked in Freeport, IL and then moved to Mars Hill, NC and helped open a Micro Switch plant there in 1973.

He loved to play golf and to bowl, and also enjoyed other sports.  He was a member of the North Buncombe Optimist Club for many years and worked very closely with their scholarship program.  

He was a charter member of Christ United Methodist Church in Weaverville.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mark Porter and brothers-in-law, Ronald Brinkmeier and Edwin Miller.

Left to cherish his memory is wife, Barbara, and daughters, Denise Spittle (Roger, Jr.), and Julie Porter both of Charlotte, NC.  Grandchildren, Roger Spittle, III (Natalia) of Matthews, NC, Matthew Spittle (Sarah Kostedt, fiancé), Stephanie Porter, Anna Porter Crowell (Andrew), and Ryan Porter, all of Charlotte, NC.  Great Grandchildren, Aubrey Crowell, Logan Crowell, Roger Spittle IV, Romeo Spittle, Meah Harris and Najah Harris.  Sister, Gloria Miller of Mansfield, OH.

Funeral Service will be held 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Christ United Methodist Church, 81 Garrison Branch Road, Weaverville, NC  28787 with visitation at 1:15PM – 2:15PM. Pastor Mike Holder and Pastor Tim Brittain will officiate. The burial will follow at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory, 901 Aiken Road, Asheville, NC  28804.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: North Buncombe Optimist Club Scholarship Program, PO Box 278, Weaverville, NC 28787.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Mr. Downing’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.