Don Kelly Douglas

Don Kelly Douglas was born July 16, 1938 in Greensboro, NC, Don was raised in Lumberton and Greensboro as the second of two sons born to A. Eugene and Mary McCollum Douglas. He died peacefully on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

Don graduated from Greensboro Senior High School with the class of 1956. He attended Campbell College before becoming the Assistant Golf Pro at Starmount Country Club. An avid and exceptional golfer, Don earned his PGA card. After a few years, he was reinstated to Amateur Status and won many city and statewide tournaments. Following his successes on the golf course, Don served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was honorably discharged in 1965. He opened Don Paul’s Clothier in downtown Greensboro, retailing menswear with his friend, Paul Robinson. He established his career in sales with Superior Stone (now Martin Marietta) in 1966. His affable charm made him many business associates and friends across the state in his role as District Sales Manager. Don retired after 35 years with the company. He spent the next nearly 22 years of his life playing as much golf as possible as a member of Sedgefield Country Club, where he enjoyed telling jokes and swapping stories with dear friends, especially as founding members of the Manor Dinner Club. He could also be counted on for a great shag on the dance floor and his unshakable generosity of spirit.

Don loved life nearly as much as he loved UNC Tar Heels athletics, especially football. He was a devoted supporter, a Super Ram member of the Ram’s Club for decades. In fact, Don did not miss a single home football game in 50 years—only a hurricane (Matthew, October 2018) could keep Don from the stands at Kenan Stadium.

More than Tar Heel athletics, Don loved his wife of 45 years, Marie Clark Douglas. They were married on May 13, 1977 and were inseparable ever after. Don also cared deeply for his fur babies, most recently, mini-Aussies Gracie and Beau. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Kim Soderquist and husband Dave, his daughter Kelly Beane and granddaughter Brooke Niemitalo (Isaac), his great-grandson, Everest, his brother Dr. Arthur Eugene “Gene” Douglas, Jr. and wife Joyce, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Per Don’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Instead, a Celebration of Life will be held at Sedgefield Country Club on August 20, 3:00-5:00 pm (casual dress) for friends and family to share stories and tell Don’s jokes as best they can. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com.