Gavin Lee Downs

Gavin Lee Downs, 20 died July 10, 2023, in St. Augustine, Florida. He was born in Jacksonville, son of Beverley Tearney Downs and the late Jason Andrew Downs. Gavin was a graduate of St. Augustine High School Class of 2021 and was very active with the St. Johns County Center for the Arts program where he participated in the Chorus, Musical Theater and Drama programs all four years. Gavin had such a passion for singing and performing and was in his element when doing so. He performed in countless Chorus concerts and many theater productions including Mama Mia, Of Mice and Men, Bright Star, Lord of the Flies, The Seagull, Elf and more. Growing up Gavin was also very active in the local performing arts community with Limelight Theater and KidzFActory. He performed in countless productions and among his favorites were Willy Wonka, Hunch Back of Notre Dame, and The Little Princess. Gavin performed in the main stage productions of Oliver and The Grapes of Wrath. Gavin was also active with Curtis Camps over the summers performing in Les Miserable and The Little Shop of Horrors. Gavin was unique in so many ways and went to the beat of his own drum. He had a kind heart and was a friend to many and never judged anyone. He was quick witted with his own sense of humor and style and he loved to sing Karaoke with his friends weekly. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals, especially his beloved dog, Mackie. He will be missed by the many whose lives he touched and will forever be our Willy Wonka, our shining star and our guardian angel watching over from above. A celebration of life of life will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday August 5th, 2023 at Reverb Church, 395 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092. A visitation with family, beginning at 2:30 p.m, will precede the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in Gavins’ memory to the St. Johns County Center for the Arts at St. Augustine High School. Checks should be made payable to St. Augustine High School with Gavin Downs Memorial Scholarship noted in the memo line. They can be mailed to Beverley Downs, 267 Medio Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32095 or can be brought to the service and placed in a basket that will be set up. Lastly if you prefer you can Venmo to @Beverley-Downs and a check will be delivered to the school. This will help to keep Gavins’ love of the performing arts alive and help fellow students in their performing arts journey. He is survived by his mother, Beverley Tearney Downs; two brothers, Liam Downs and Logan Downs; sister Kayleigh Downs; maternal grandmother Edna Gunter, paternal grandparents Corinne Racine and Re Racine in South Florida; maternal Aunt Mandy Borna and husband Uncle Rom in St. Augustine; paternal Uncle Anthony Shortt , Tampa, and Nicholas Shortt South Florida. St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Gavin Lee Downs

April 21, 2003 - July 10, 2023