Douglas Carlton Altenbern Sr.

He attended Germantown High School, Georgia Tech, and graduated from Ole Miss. Doug served in the US Air Force Reserve. He married his college sweetheart, Dee Phillips of Yazoo City, Mississippi, and they began their life together in Memphis. It was there that he started his long computer services career, eventually settling in Nashville in 1964.

He started multiple computer services companies, the last of which was bought by National Life & Accident Insurance Company and became NLT Computer Services. Doug took the reins as President in 1972 and served in that role until opportunities arose to start a new public company in 1983. Doug served as Chairman, President, and CEO of the new company, Endata, until it was sold in 1987.

In addition to his business activities, Doug served on many boards for community organizations that were near and dear to him. A member of Belle Meade Country Club, Doug enjoyed many years of golf, bridge, and meals with family and friends.

Doug and Dee loved to travel and together they visited 83 countries. Doug was a true Renaissance man with many talents and interests - including music, gardening, woodworking, cooking, and writing. He passed on his curiosity and love of learning to his children and grandchildren.

Affectionately called ‘Daddy Daddy’ by his grandchildren, spending time with family is what he loved most. His keen mind, business acumen, and quick wit kept him active long beyond his retirement date. Up until the end, he recited poetry in English and German, sang songs, and entertained the family and caregivers with tales of his past adventures. Doug wrote two books about his life so his family and friends could know him even better.

An active member of First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Doug served on the diaconate and the session. He relished the opportunity to serve the church and was always moved by the music and by the messages of hymns. His trust in the Lord was evident and he was quick to express his gratitude for the blessings in his life. Daddy Daddy’s beautiful prayers before family meals will long be remembered.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Dee, his sons Doug Altenbern, Jr. (Cathy) and Phillip Altenbern (Nancy), his daughter Anne Dobbs (Michael), and his beloved grandchildren, Douglas Altenbern, III, Chase Altenbern (Mary), Ford Altenbern (Karli), Darrington Altenbern, Chandler Lundy (Jackson), Adam Altenbern (Maria), Grace Ann Altenbern (Jonathan Sink), Andrew Dobbs (Huntyr), Chatham Dobbs, Hudson Dobbs, and Margo Dobbs. In his last year of life, Doug enjoyed his great-grandson Luca Lundy and looked forward to more great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the loving caregivers who helped make his time at Richland Place safe, enjoyable, and comfortable. Daddy Daddy was larger than life in many ways; his big personality, his pride in being the leader of the family, and his fun-loving spirit made being a part of his life a memorable adventure. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Nashville on Friday, December 27th. Visitation will be in the Cheek House from 10 am - 12 pm with a service in the Sanctuary at noon. Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Nashville (4815 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN 37215) or the charity of your choice.