George Alexander Douglas

George Alexander "Buck" Douglas went to be with the Lord on November 6, 2016. Given the nickname "Buck" as he came into this life while his mother was en route to the hospital. The vehicle she was traveling in had to pull over in Buckhead, just north of the city of Atlanta, and there in front of what was once known as the Buckhead Theatre, she gave birth to a small bundle of joy on June 26, 1928 that so many have since known as "Buck" Douglas. Born to parents George W. Douglas and Ruby Phillips, both deceased, Buck was preceded in death by several siblings, brothers Karlman, Joseph (Buster), William & Franklin and sisters Louise and Eunice.

Buck grew up in Sandy Springs, marrying Grace Mildred Long of Lawrenceville, GA in August, 1950. Their marriage of 66 years included four children, Vickie Douglas Caldwell of Charlotte, NC, Deborah Douglas Catterton of Wesley Chapel, FL, Sherry Douglas Boger of Woodstock, GA and George Bradley (Brad) Douglas of Mars, PA. Grandchildren include Ashley Caldwell Griffin of Jacksonville, FL, Justin Caldwell of Shelby, NC, Michael Catterton of Wesley Chapel, FL, Kimberly Catterton of Hopatcong, NJ and Tyler Boger of Woodstock, GA and great-grandchildren Lauren and Chloe Griffin.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Buck served as a Second Seaman aboard the USS Princeton at the end of World War 2, deployed in Saipan and Guam. Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy, Buck began his career at the former Bell Bomber production plant in Marietta, GA, now known as Lockheed Aircraft, where he served as the Chief Inspector on the C-5 Galaxy and C-130 aircraft, airplanes that drastically transformed the aeronautics industry. His 36-year career at Lockheed concluded with his retirement in September, 1987.

Many residents of Sandy Springs recall Buck from his days manning the fresh produce stand located at the corner of Sandy Springs Circle and Mount Vernon Highway operated by the Danny Hudson family. Mr. Douglas worked there until his early eighties becoming a local fixture at the stand.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Mr. Douglas enjoyed the outdoors. Always known for a wonderful sense of humor and numerous jokes, his white beard and wavy white locks afforded him the opportunity to thrill children as he often played Santa Claus in numerous retail stores in the area.

The Douglas family will receive friends and family during visitation on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 4-7 pm. Pastor David Shivers will preside over funeral services at Sandy Springs Chapel at 2:30 pm on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. Mr. Douglas will be buried at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Sandy Springs with a Naval Honor Guard presiding appropriately enough on Veteran's Day. May he forever rest in peace. We love you Dad!