Oscar (Biff) Bernard Downey, born Feb. 19, 1940 in the Rivermont community of Covington, Virginia departed this life Sunday morning, April 2, 2017.

Biff lived in retirement on McCormick Street in Clifton Forge.

He is survived by his sisters, Betty Downey-Wise, of Shreveport, La., and Carol Downey Martin, of Bedford, Virginia.

He was the son of Ruby Matheney Downey of Nimrod Hall, Va., and John Owen Downey R. of Longdale, Virginia, both deceased.

Biff was also preceded in death by his half-brother John "Dit" Downey Jr., and half-sister Dorothy "Dot" Downey Loan, both of Covington.

He had several significant others during his life, but never married.

Biff was a proud 1957 graduate of Covington High School, and attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tn., majoring in Psychology in preparation to become a Presbyterian minister.

Biff was devoted to the learning process, and actively furthered his education through study, reading and life experiences.

His work career began with The Ban of Virginia as its accounting department manager. Next, he worked for Philip Morris International, living in New York City, where for 18 years he was the international cost accounting and capital expenditure manager, traveling and spending time in 84 countries on work assignments.

After leaving Philip Morris International, he founded and, for 12 years, operated Biff’s Carytown Bookstore in Richmond, Va. Before retiring in 2002 and moving back to the area, for 10 years he was employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Accounts, as its training and development manager.

Biff was a certified government financial manager, a member of the American Society of Training and Development, and the Association of Government Accountants.

He was also an active storyteller, and a member of the National Storytellers Association.

In 2004, Biff became an ordained Deist Minister, and received his PhD as a Doctor of Divinity.

Biff’s lifetime passion, however, was performing. He performed in more than 20 countries worldwide, and most of the jazz clubs and cabarets in New York City. He often performed with Bette Midler, and Barry Manilow.

Biff was known and loved by many as an actor, storyteller, jazz vocalist, philosopher, teacher, mentor, accountant, entrepreneur, writer, world traveler and friend.

Biff chose to be cremated. His cremains will be interred following a short graveside memorial ceremony at the Alleghany Memorial Park, Covington, at a date later to be announced.

Biff Downey was a man who truly "followed his bliss."

In lieu of traditional flowers or donations, Biff simply requests that you do a kindness or favor to someone in his memory.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home;www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.