Douglas Mark Distel

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”

~Abraham Lincoln

Douglas Mark Distel, 58, was born on May 4, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2024, in Conover, North Carolina. The planet dimmed a lot that day when his bright light extinguished, and many hearts were broken.

Doug moved to Stanley, North Carolina from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, many years ago with his wife of 25 years, Gina Marie Distel, and proudly called this small but vibrant town home. He enjoyed the community life, participating in parades, shoveling snow for neighbors in the winter, always eager to help anyone no matter what the season. He was passionate about NASCAR at one time, beagles at another time, and people all the time. He enjoyed rebuilding old tractors, often on the hunt for parts that seemingly didn’t exist and building anything from scratch. He was always up for a challenge.

Doug was a hard worker, possessing an incredible work ethic from an early age. He dreamed of becoming an architect after his graduation from Northeast High School but after taking a few college classes he decided to follow in his father’s and brother Dennis’s footsteps and mastered cabinetry, eventually establishing his own business, Distel Woodworks. No doubt his many customers will miss him greatly too.

He was very creative and musically gifted. As a young boy he could play a song on his electric guitar after hearing it only once on the radio, much to the astonishment of all who witnessed his talent. He dressed up as Gene Simmons of KISS for Halloween one year and wowed the neighborhood. His Little League gig wasn’t as memorable, but when Doug retired his uniform, he still had a ball in life nonetheless.

Doug loved the holidays! Whether it was decorating his home with a million holiday lights or deep-frying Thanksgiving turkeys, he was the guy you’d want at your party. Always the entertainer with his quick wit and carefree, happy-go-lucky energy, he brought joy to many. If you had a bad day, Doug came to the rescue with his charm and big smile, leaving you feeling better instantly. He always had a good story to share or joke to tell, delivering all perfectly as only a pro storyteller/jokester could. Whether you knew Doug for years or just met him, he made everyone feel welcome and at ease. He had a huge heart, a sensitive soul, and a brilliant mind that wasn’t just book-smart but also filled with common sense. And how about those crystal-blue eyes that always twinkled? That too.

While Doug and Gina didn’t have 2-legged children, they did have some 4-leggers, who Doug loved much. That’s how he was … lovable and loving, thoughtful, generous, charitable, caring, considerate, and so much more … the kind of human you’d want on your team (except for baseball) and in your life. He had it all going on, the complete package. And yet, notwithstanding his many talents and positive character attributes, he was a humble and private man, an ordinary guy in his own words who, in reality, was truly extraordinary.

So, cheers to you, Doug! You are loved deeply, missed greatly and will never be forgotten. You left your mark on this crazy world, and your legacy of love and kindness will remain in our hearts and inspire us to carry out your mission of bringing happiness and laughter to others. Your heart of gold perpetually shines on us, like the stars at night that, perhaps, as the legend goes, are really openings in the sky where our loved ones shine down upon us to let us know that they’re at peace. Shine, Doug, shine. Rest in peace.

In addition to his wife of many years, Gina Marie, and her family who he loved as his own, Doug leaves behind his sister Denise-Marie, brothers David and Daniel, nieces Ashley (Juan) and Tiffany, grandnephew Easton, brother-in-law Joe, uncles Dale and Merle (Nancy), and many dear cousins. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Patricia, and his older brother Dennis. Surely by the grace of God they’re all reunited by now.

No public funeral or service will be held, but Doug would want you to celebrate his life joyfully wherever you are, knowing that he is no longer suffering and is at peace. Part of that celebration could include a donation in his memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://supporting.afsp.org/ or to your local suicide hotline or agency, so that perhaps through his death others may embrace life. As Doug has shown us, no one really knows what’s going on in another’s head, heart, or home, so in his good name, let’s show compassion towards each other and reach out when things seem off. The smallest of gestures, even a smile, have been known to save a life.

On behalf of Doug’s entire family, we thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown us during this challenging time. Our condolences and prayers go out to all of you who love Doug too.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on Doug’s soul. Amen.

Condolences and memories of Doug for the family may be left at www.carotherfuneralhomestanley.com.

Carothers Funeral Home in Stanley, North Carolina is serving the Distel Family.