Nolan Dawson Downs

Dr. Nolan Dawson Downs was born on September 4, 1946, in Troy, New York, to Homer Roy Downs and Sue Little Dawson Downs. The Downs family lived in New York before moving to England, then later settling in Atlanta, Georgia, and eventually Jasper, Alabama where his father managed Arrow Shirt Company.

Nolan attended Walker Junior College and went on to study at the University of Alabama, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. He graduated on May 26, 1968. Shortly after, he was drafted for service in Vietnam. However, following the passing of his father, his orders were changed to Germany, as he was the only surviving son. Nolan served as a Spec 5 in the 576 Dental Detachment in Bad Kreuznach, Germany.

After his service in the Army, Nolan attended Auburn University for one year to complete the necessary prerequisite coursework for dental school. With his father being an Auburn graduate, he developed a strong affection for the University and fully embraced its War Eagle spirit. While moving into his dorm he met, Ron Ellis, who invited him to a Bible Study with the Navigators. It was through this bible study he heard the Gospel and accepted God’s forgiveness for his sins. His time in Auburn was foundational in his spiritual growth as he understood God’s plan for his life and his desire to serve Him.

Nolan went on to attend University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Dental School. Following dental school, he specialized in pediatric dentistry, knowing in his heart that working with children in this field was his true calling. In 1975, Nolan married the love of his life, Barrett Helsley Downs (Barrie), in Paducah, Kentucky. This December, they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage. They cherished every moment together, always planning their next adventure.

In July 1978, Nolan opened his own pediatric dental practice in Hoover, Alabama. For 42 years, his famous “Donald Duck” impersonation and warm, infectious laugh—often accompanied by his signature knee slap—brought smiles to many. For most of those years, he practiced across the hall from his dear friend, Dr. Rocky Alling, with whom he shared both cases and laughter. His dedicated staff became like family, especially Kathy Crawford, his loyal hygienist of 42 years. While in practice, he also served as President of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and was a member of The American Orthodontic Society, helping create beautiful smiles. His patients and their families deeply impacted his life.

He was an Elder at Briarwood Presbyterian Church for many years, a member of Briarwood’s School Board, and led many mission trips to Guatemala. While at Briarwood , he taught Junior High boys Sunday school for over 30 years . He loved this opportunity that he shared alongside teaching with Barbara Barker. More recently, he and his wife Barrie, became involved with their new church home, Faith Presbyterian Church, and have loved their time there.

Nolan’s most cherished moments were those spent with his family enjoying camping, driving cross country to ski in the Rockies of Crested Butte, or enjoying time at the lake. He found great joy in woodworking, hunting, playing golf, serving others and especially cheering on his grandchildren. He was a man who sought every day to live life to the fullest, no matter what he was focused on. His love for the Lord and love for others was evident in how he lived his life.

Nolan was preceded in death by his father, Homer Roy Downs, his mother, Sue Little Dawson Downs, and his sister, Barbara Downs Maxwell.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Barrie Downs, and their four children:

• Amy Barrett Downs of Birmingham, Alabama

• Thomas (Laurel) Downs of New Orleans, Louisiana

• Matthew (Ashley) Downs of Orlando, Florida

• Brett (Sara) Downs of Auburn, Alabama

His beloved grandchildren include Avery Downs, Barrett Downs, Maddox Downs, Hunter Downs, Ellie Sue Downs, and Jetta Mae Downs. He is also survived by two nieces, Shelly Maxwell (and her children, Ethan and Sage Rutz) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Sherri Kane (and her son, Patrick Kane) of Brookfield, Connecticut.

There will be a visitation on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4601 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, on Sunday afternoon, in the upper Gathering Hall of the Church from 2-4.

Due to new construction, parking could be limited/carpooling is recommended.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Faith Presbyterian Church.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Oak Ranch, https://bigoak.org/give/one-time-gift/ or The All Generations Building Campaign of Faith Presbyterian https://www.allgens.org to continue the impact of Nolan’s life.