Paul Douglas Downs

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford Paul Douglas Downs, 82, passed away at his residence on Thursday, December 05, 2024, after a bravely fought battle with cancer. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 07, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford. The funeral service celebrating his life will occur in the chapel of Coleman Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Fish Robinson officiating. Interment will take place in the Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Paul was welcomed into this world in the Mississippi Delta on August 23, 1942, as one of the five children born to the late David Downs and Maggie Self Downs. In 1966, Paul married his beloved wife, the late Dianne Williams Downs, and together, they created a beautiful life filled with love and laughter of over fifty-eight wonderful years. They welcomed one son and were blessed with two grandchildren, all of whom brought immeasurable joy and countless precious memories into their lives. After graduating from Delta State University in 1968, Paul returned to his alma mater, Leflore County High School, where he coached junior high football, boys' track, and boys' basketball. His basketball team won the Delta Valley Conference in the 1969-70 school year, and the boys' track team also excelled, qualifying for the State Championship. In 1972, Downs became Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Leflore County High, holding the role for seven years. The 1976 football team won the Delta Valley Conference, earning him Coach of the Year honors. His tenure resulted in a 42-18 record. In 1978, he became Assistant Football Coach and Head Track Coach at Mississippi Delta Community College. His track team won the State Championship and finished runner-up the following season, later claiming the Region 23 Championship in 1980. In 1985, Downs moved to Cleveland, Mississippi, as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Cleveland High School. He led the Wildcats to nine District Championships over 11 years and was an assistant coach for various All-Star games. He coached the North Mississippi All-Stars in his final year to a 38-6 victory. After retiring from the Mississippi school system, Downs coached the Hornets in Locust Fork, Alabama, where he helped the team achieve four winning seasons and multiple championships. After six years, he and Dianne moved to Oxford to be closer to family and his beloved Ole Miss Rebels. Paul leaves behind a loving family to continue walking down the path of life in his absence: one son, Mark Downs, of Oxford, Mississippi; two grandchildren, Anne Elise Downs and Deacon Downs, of Oxford, Mississippi. The loved ones who departed from this life before him include his beloved wife, Dianne Williams Downs; father and mother, David Downs and Maggie Self Downs; two brothers, Charles Downs and Jim Downs; and two sisters, Nellie Weir and Louise Gainey. In place of traditional flowers the family has requested that donations be given to the following organizations: Samaritan's Purse (https://tinyurl.com/vs5wfvct) or French Camp Academy (https://tinyurl.com/3wf76dy5) Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford staff is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Online condolences may be left on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com

Paul Douglas Downs

August 23, 1942 - December 5, 2024

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