Thomas Holden Dougherty

Tom was born in Charleston, West Virginia, the eldest of four sons born to Holden Manchester Dougherty and Gerial Lewis Dougherty. After graduation from Charleston High, he advanced to Northwestern University in Chicago Illinois, achieving a degree in business administration and enjoyed being an active member of the Acacia fraternity.

From 1958 to 1964 Tom served his country in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves being honorably discharged, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. His role was predominantly administrative but did experience being on high alert during the Cuban missile crisis.

His entire professional career was spent working as an accountant and manager for Union Carbide Corporation and it’s successor companies in West Virginia, New York City and Danbury Connecticut. Tom was a very religious man and was active in various evangelical churches in the communities he lived.

Upon retirement, he moved from Brookfield, Connecticut to Asheville, North Carolina where he resided, enjoying square dancing and duplicate bridge until joining his supportive family in Austin, Texas. He enjoyed travel and visited our national parks and many countries including the UK, Australia, India and touring Africa and Europe.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 35 years, Betty Lou and his brother, Paul.

He is survived by his brothers, Charles L. and Holden Dougherty; and his twin sons, Charles C. and W. David. He was blessed with many grandchildren, five (soon to be seven) in Cicero, New York and two in Austin, Texas.

While living in Austin, Tom received very loving care from Grace House of Lake Travis for almost four years. His final days were made more comfortable by the thoughtful staff of New Century Hospice. The family is also grateful to Steve Catoe of the local Alzheimer’s support group and the neurological support of Kim Burtrum.

Tom succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease after fighting for eight years. His son, David and his granddaughter, Abigail Tate Lee were by his side as he succumbed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 3, 2013 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home

The family suggests you consider the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter, in lieu of flowers or gifts.