George Noonan Downer, Sr., for whom George Downer Field was named, rendered exemplary community service for more than 50 years. Born at Cooksville, Miss., on July 31, 1888, he served 30 years as Pickens County Commissioner and 12 years as Aliceville City Councilman. He was also a school trustee and a leader in the Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Red Cross, and public health. Governor John Patterson was the dedicatory speaker on November 7, 1961. Downer married Lillie Mae Windham, and they reared 6 children. She died on November 23, 1958. He later married Anne Mae Wimberley Jacob. Downer died on October 30, 1970, and was buried at Franconia Cemetery.