SFC (Ret.) Douglas David Dailey

Arrangements under the direction of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.SFC (Ret) Douglas D. Dailey’ 78 passed away November 25, 2016 at Phenix City Health Care. The family will welcome guests for visitation Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Celebration of Doug’s Life in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd. Columbus, GA, followed by a reception in The Mill Room. A Committal Service will be Wednesday November 30, 2016 2:30 pm EST at Ft Mitchell National Cemetery.

SFC (Ret) Dailey was a US Army Paratrooper like his brothers. Doug was born February 24, 1938 in Rivesville, WV to his late parents Patrick and Letha Smith Dailey. One of nine children, he grew up very close to, and was very protective of his siblings. When he was old enough in 1956 he joined The Marine Corps. Douglas immediately experienced Boot Camp at Parris Island and remained in The Marines for three years. After leaving The Marines he joined the Army where he spent his next 19 years. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam (Green Berets), the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, and The Military Assistance Command in Vietnam. He was an Airborne School Instructor (Blackhat) at Fort Benning for his last years of active duty. Some of his many awards were: Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Master Parachutist Wings. His hobbies were fishing, working on cars, fishing, bowling, spending time with his dog, taking care of other animals around his home, and fishing. He was a member of VFW Post 665, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, and the Mike Force Association.

Other than his parents he is preceded in death by six of his beloved siblings; SFC Fred J. Dailey, Claudia Thomas, Robert Dailey, Bridget Boltz, Patricia Cannon, Cpl John Dailey, and “Princess” his German Shepherd. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Brenda Dailey, Lisa (Danny) Durham, Mike (Sadhana) Dailey, Pat (Marlene) Dailey, and Cheryl Jones; sisters, Ruby Dailey and Sis Skarzinski; grandchildren Danielle Durham, Hannah Durham, Courtney Jones, and Jaz Dailey; his former wife, Mary Dailey and special Friend, Helen Van Gosen; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

Those wishing to send condolences may do so on-line at www.shcolumbus.com.