Our friendship started in 1979 at Stetson University. Doug was Food Service Director and I was assistant manager. Over the 23 years I worked with Morrison Healthcare / Compass Group our friendship grew. I experienced first hand Doug’s ability to connect with employees, managers, and clients on a personal level. He never lost focus of helping his managers and friends achieve their personal goals.
I have many memories of Doug and I working together on projects, attending social events that bring feeling of happiness, joy, and satisfaction. What great memorizes for me ! 
Sara, Lee, and Michelle , may you find comfort in all the memories shared by friends at this difficult time of loss. 

Maurice White

It is with a heavy heart that we remember and celebrate the life of Doug Arie. Though I didn’t have the privilege of working directly with him, Doug’s influence and the positive impact he had on his team were evident to all who knew him. His leadership exemplified the very best of the culture at Morrison Healthcare. I had the honor of working with several of Doug’s team members over the years, and each one spoke with deep respect and admiration for Doug. His ability to guide and mentor, always with patience and wisdom, left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to work with him.

Doug’s dedication to his work and to those he served was apparent. He was not just a leader, but a true friend and advisor to all.  His commitment to putting people first, was a testament to the values he lived by. Doug’s influence extended far beyond his professional achievements, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

Sara, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Doug’s memory will always hold a special place in our Morrison family. His leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his loved ones and colleagues have left a profound impact on us all. We are grateful for the opportunity to have known Doug and worked alongside him. While we will miss him dearly, we know that his spirit and legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

Ron & I will miss our little talks going down in the elevator with Doug. 
He had a great sense of humor and Marina Village board meetings won’t be the same.

Dear Sara,

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Doug. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I will always remember Doug's kindness and expertise, especially when he helped us with the condo in Marina Village we purchased from you. His patience and willingness to answer our questions were truly appreciated. Please know that you and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. May cherished memories of Doug bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Sincerely, 
Susan Stevens

One of the greatest joys in my professional career was having Doug as a boss and mentor. I was hired by Doug to join their regional team in April 2002, and the four years I spent there were nothing short of transformative. Doug was always eager to teach this very green manager the ropes, doing so with remarkable kindness and patience. He truly lived his “family first” motto every day. In a world where meeting the bottom line and exceeding goals were the main focus, he consistently chose to put our people first and expected that his team do the same.

I remember one particular instance when Doug, Rod and I were on the road seeing accounts throughout Mississippi and I was the chauffeur! Those moments were really when you got to know your teammates. Forget annual evaluations! You always knew where you stood, what you could do better and how to be better--- just from a week on the road. I felt seen and valued, which made all the difference.

Our monthly team meetings were a highlight, filled with learning, laughter, and a deep sense of camaraderie. I always left those meetings feeling inspired and grateful to have Doug’s leadership and friendship. His impact on my life and career is something I cherish deeply, and I am forever thankful for the incredible journey we shared.

I’m so sorry for your loss Sara and family. Doug was so loved and even though I have not seen you guys in years, he is often in my thoughts, even with working with Compass still. I’ll always remember when there would be a pause in group conversation, he would say “11 minutes.” And he was usually spot on.  I’ll miss you Sir.  

Alison Stokes

Doug was the first manager I met at Morrison. I interviewed at I-4 and they suggested I go meet Doug at Stetson. He convinced me to join Morrison. Two years later Doug was my DM in Texas. Doug, Sara, Michele and Lee all made us feel like family. We golfed together, boated, swam and opened a ton of business. Doug gave a very young and inexperienced me the chance to learn and grow. We had such a great time. Team meetings at state parks, weekend golfing at the Lewisville “cow pasture” Golf course. 

Doug was an early adopter of computers and taught me a lot as we learned together about Lotus 123, spreadsheets and macros. I was so blessed to have been able to work for and with Doug for most of my career! He touched so many, many lives in a similar way and was always one of the first phone calls you made when you needed to figure out some complicated issue or politics. 

We are praying for all of you and hate that you lost him so young but know you will be together in the end. God’s Grace comfort and sustain you.

Sara, John, Lola, Carole and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss.  Doug was one of the kindest people we have ever had the privilege of knowing, as is the entire Arie family.  We know as a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend you could not ask for any better and his loss will leave a truly deep void in the family.   May God provide each of you with comfort and the peace of knowing Doug is resting in His arms, now free from all his worldly cares and suffering and waiting for the day you will be together again.  God Bless.

Enjoyed working with Doug as part of the Cassady District.  A fine man with a great sense of food business.  A real asset to the old Morrison.  Bless him and to his family..

We will miss you.  God speed.  Bob and Sandy

Doug was one of the kindest, most caring and truly genuine person  I have ever known. He was an incredible Leader for Morrison Healthcare and made lasting and trusted relationships with everyone he met. Doug knew the importance of team building, personal relationships and  he mastered the art of understanding and connecting with  others.  Doug's  positive impact  and heart has made me a better person . . His dry humor,
boisterous laugh and all the fun times  we've had will be missed . Doug had his Priorities in order. , He  loved his family. Doug and Sara have lived  their lives committed to family, friends and doing good for others. I am so Grateful to have learned , worked  with and been loved by such an Amazing man. I will always love him dearly!  Sara, we are heartbroken and lift you and all of your  family up in prayer. Our special times and all the memories will continue to be a  lasting Treasure! We love you all and ask for God's blessings,   peace and comfort  during this most difficult time. 
Nick and Dawn Bishop

Dear Carol, John, and Lola,
I am so sorry to know of Doug’s passing; please accept my sincere sympathy. I remember that he and Ben were good friends.  Thinking of each of you with love.  Mimi

So sorry for all your family John . He’s in Gods hands now . Love David & Carole Carter

Doug was the best Boss I've ever had. He taught more than just food service, but return on investment wasn't just about a budget but about what you put into your people. He also taught me in golf never to "out-drive," the boss. OOPs. 
May God's Grace be with Sara and the Family.
Fran Irmiter

Sara and Family,
It is with a heavy heart to remember and celebrate the life of Doug. While my words can never fully capture the depth of his character or the impact he had on those around him, we can take comfort in reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind.
Doug was of unwavering integrity, kindness, and generosity. He was the epitome of the values that we professed at Morrison. Doug was an outstanding professional whose dedication to his work was matched only by his commitment to those he served. Whether offering guidance, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a laugh, Doug approached life with a spirit of service that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
A natural teacher and patient listener, Doug had a gift for making people feel heard, valued, and supported. He led not only with wisdom but with warmth, inspiring others to strive for excellence. His loyalty and dependability made him not just a great colleague but an even greater friend. 
There are many stories we all cherish of working years together with Doug. He was a great leader. His commitment to our clients was unmatched.
But it was obvious, Doug’s greatest joy was found in his family.
 His kindness, humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed, but his influence lives on in the countless lives he touched.
 Sara, our prayers are for you and your family as you grieve, but also celebrate Doug’ as a person. Many wonderful memories to be held forever.
G. Davenport

Doug Arie was one of the finest people I’ve ever known.     He had the heart of a teacher, and he patiently taught me a lot as my first Morrison boss .     Doug was a natural born leader who respected his people — who he always gave all the credit to when it was directed to him.   In exchange, he was loved (that’s the right word) by everyone on his team.      His deep belly laugh always kept things light, even when the lifting got heavy.      He listened first and spoke last — a long forgotten skill.         He also taught us to balance things correctly with our families, especially our spouses, and he illustrated his sincerity in that by often waving goodbye to us from the regional office (his home) as he and Sara rolled off for adventures on their giant Gold Wing Honda motorcycles.       Everyone who came to know Doug are better for it.      He lived life fully, and he will be missed by more than many.     God’s grace and love, Doug (and Sara)
George Levins

Sara, Lee, Michelle and all the family…our hearts are broken to hear the news of Doug’s passing. We were blessed to consider Doug and all of you our friends. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers for peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.  With much love and sympathy, 
Richard, Brenda and family

OBITUARY

Doug Arie

6 August, 1952 – 15 January, 2025

Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens

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