Paul Douglas Groseclose

Paul Douglas Groseclose

“Granddad or Dad” to few and Doug to most

October 8, 1945 – May 26, 2017

“When we come to the end of our journey in this life, and the issues that so concerned us recede from us like the day before the coming night, it will be these small touches – the child we have helped, the garden we have planted, the meal we have prepared when we were too weary to do so – that will become our legacy to the universe. If we have played our part well - offering love where it was needed, strength and caring where it was lacking; if we have tended the earth and its creatures with a sense of humble stewardship – we will have done enough.” Simple Truths by Kent Nerburn

Doug never longed for death but never feared it. At 71, Doug mastered this life’s spiritual discipline of practicing his beliefs. His passing on May 26th was with the same dignity and gentleness that he lived his life. Doug was born in Laurel, Maryland on October 8, 1945. His father was a minister, his mother a teacher. Doug and his two older brothers were raised on a farm outside of Washington D.C. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science degree at North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC. During and after college, Doug lived amidst diversity and segregation. The civil rights movement was formative for Doug and changed his perspective on life forever.

In 1981, Doug was hired by an aerospace and defense company that was then called Martin Marietta in Orlando Florida, where he was in charge of staffing, training, and organizational development. He was promoted to be the HR Director for Fire Control Systems. In February, 2007 Doug retired from Lockheed Martin and did some consulting in DC for the Department of Homeland Security.

In 1995 Doug and Debbra moved to Sanford, Florida and began restoring their 1925 home that they both fell in love with the moment they walked in – crumbling foundation and all. Doug was a master carpenter and built and restored fine furniture. He was also and a sword and wand maker, a hobby shared with his grandson. Doug loved history and was very civic minded. He volunteered at the Sanford Museum and came home with wonderful stories about the history of Sanford, the town he loved. In 1998 Doug & his wife, along with many new and lifelong Sanford supporters, forced a referendum to “Save Ft Mellon Park.” They really got to know many wonderful people in Sanford and accomplished what they set out to do He was an avid reader and organic gardener in his spare time and more so in retirement.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Hicks Groseclose & Virginia Dare (Vawter) Groseclose and his brother Keith Thomas Groseclose. He is survived by his wife, Debbra Kay (Framke) Groseclose, of 35 years and his older brother William Taylor Groseclose. Together, Doug and Debbra shared in raising 2 children, Scott Crawford Groseclose and Deeana Christine (Groseclose) Clark. His son-in-law, Terry Russell Clark, meant a great deal to him and Doug often referred to Terry as his second son and Rosalinda Nieves Reyes is Scott’s fiancé. Doug also leaves behind three beautiful, gifted grandchildren: Kelsey-Scott Christine Tate, Grayson Scott Clark, and Jacob Randall Groseclose.

Doug touched many lives and left his mark on many people. Doug’s loved ones and friends will hold him in their hearts as long as they beat and will carry him in their souls forever.

Celebration of Life to be held on June 7, 2017 at 2:00, at the National Cremation Society, 7565 Red Bug Lake Road, Oviedo, Florida.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in the name of Paul Douglas Groseclose to The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Va.

n of NATIONAL CREMATION SOCIETY OVIEDO, Oviedo, FL.