Paul "Skipper" H. Downs

CHAPIN—Paul H. “Skipper” Downs, 92, of Chapin died Sunday, February 12, 2017.Born on October 3, 1924 in Charleston, SC, he was the son of the late Hampton Edward Leo Downs and Pauline Pearl Murphy Downs.He was a proud graduate of Dreher High School in Columbia.Skipper ran the boat dealership known as Skipper Downs Sport Shop for 42 years. As a young man, he aspired to enter the military to serve in World War II but was unable to serve due to a broken back suffered as a teenager.Instead, he learned how to work on airplanes and even worked on the Memphis Bell.Well into his 80’s, he tinkered in his back yard “shop,” making birdhouses, clocks, and furniture. He spent his life on the lake, involved in the boating industry from an early age. Skipper Downs Sports Shop was started by his father, and Skipper took over and continued to run the business for 42 years.The shop was originally located on Harden Street in Columbia, and after a move to Beltline, he relocated to a location on Fernandina Rd, facing interstate 26, which was being built at that time.He won several awards from Mercury for his boat motor sales, and he was at one time the largest boat dealer in SC and implemental in starting the current Columbia Boat Show. He passed along his love of boating to both of his sons and grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman.He enjoyed spending time on the lake, and the Downs family was at one time known as Columbia’s Racing Family because Skipper and his brother, Jack, won all the boat races they participated in.He was a world-champion skeet shooter, and played tennis well into his late 70’s.He was a long-standing member of Big Thursday Club, displaying his love of cooking by being on the cooking committee.Even into his late 80’s, he continued to cook and provide a meal twice a year. He regularly attended lunches for his graduating class of Dreher High School.He was a life-long Gamecock fan; even when his eyesight began to fail him, he tuned into the games while in the nursing home to listen to his beloved team play. Survivors include sons, Paul F. Downs (Brenda) of Chapin and Tim L. Downs (Kim) of Chapin; grandchildren, Lori McArver (Phillip), Justin Downs (Beth), Kimberly Downs, Christopher Downs along with seven great-grandchildren, as well as our close family friend, Pat Cargile. Those who preceded him are his first wife, Blondell “Blondie” A. Downs, second wife, Wilma K. Downs; brother, Jack Downs and a sister, Leo Shepherd. The family of Skipper Downs would like to thank the entire staff of Lexington Extended Care for their love and kindness given to Skipper during his stay. The Memorial Service for Skipper Downs will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 with Chaplain Carol Rinehart officiating.The family will receive friends after the service.A private inurnment will take place at a later time. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 107 Westpark Blvd., #220, Columbia, SC 29210