Arthur "Doug" Coutts

COUTTS, Arthur “Doug”, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. He was born in Jacksonville, FL where he lived for three months before moving to Ruskin, FL. He had an older brother Herman (by 2 years and 2 weeks), and his Mom described them both as good boys... no fighting. He joined the Cub Scouts and learned to box. He enjoyed going to the YMCA to box and continued boxing while in the Navy with the Golden Gloves. In his early adulthood he played football at Brandon High School, and at just 15 years of age, became the choir director at Seffner Baptist Church and taught music lessons. Doug loved Elvis and saw him four times. He was nicknamed "Elvis". He was a NARVRE member and enjoyed wood crafting, fishing and watching Bonanza. Doug retired from CSX Railroad and was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Tampa, FL

Some of Doug's proudest moments were gardening with his father, raising watermelons and cantaloupes; also fishing for mullet as his father taught him.

His proudest career accomplishments were working for the Atlantic Coastline after graduation, then joining the United States Navy and serving in Korea for three years on an aircraft carrier. He also served one year in Texas as captain of the Blue Angels. He received the good conduct medal, presidential medal for serving in US and S. Korea, and four bronze stars for major battles.

Doug was preceded in death by his brother, Herman W. Coutts. Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Phyllis L. Coutts; two sons: Douglas W. Coutts, Dean D. Coutts (Kari); three daughters: Debbie J. Modlin (James), Mindy A. Fearon (Korbin), Laura Laisure (Don); 11 grandchildren: Josh, Mandie, Ashley, Megan, Jesse, Madison, Haidyn, Hollyn, Darus, Rose, Daria, and 4 great-grandchildren: Matthew, Ethan, Aiden, and Jayden.

Visitation will be 10 am to 11am on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, with a funeral service at 11 am at Wells Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Enon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran School.

On line condolences may be offered at www.wellsmemorial.com.