SAMUEL ‘SAM’ DOWNS – Obituary
Samuel “Sam” Weldon Downs, 82, of Newfield, NJ, passed away on September 29, 2024, in Voorhees Township, NJ. He is survived by his beloved wife, Terry Marie Downs (nee Armstrong), with whom he shared 62 years of marriage since their union in March 1962. Loving father of Russell (Helen) Downs; Doug (Erin) Downs; Steve (Missy) Downs; and the late Sam (Michelle) Downs, Jr. He cherished his five grandchildren: Ashlee Downs, Zach (Daniela) Downs, Regina (Jim) Skinner, Trisha Downs, and Sam (Nicole) Downs, III. Sam was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Rosie Skinner, Lucy Skinner, Kiya Downs, Jack Downs, Athena Downs, and Persephone Downs. He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma G. Downs, and his uncle, the late Samuel Downs.
Born on December 27, 1941, in Pitman, NJ, Sam was a proud graduate of Pitman High School. He honorably served two years of peacetime service in the US Marine Corps. After the military, he embarked on a successful career as a welder and boilermaker at DuPont in Deepwater, NJ, where he was employed for 34 years before retiring in 1999. Sam spent over 50 years residing in Newfield, NJ, where he became an integral part of the community. He was well-known for his dedication to youth sports, coaching baseball and football for local teams.
In addition to his commitment to family and community, Sam enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay and traveling to Cancun, Mexico. He was affectionately known by his nicknames “The Fonz” and “Burt.” A devoted husband to his wife and a steadfast supporter of his children’s athletic, academic, military, and professional endeavors, Sam’s legacy of love and support will forever be remembered by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.