1950-2023
‘...I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT
Obituary of Douglas Herman Zipperer
Douglas Herman Zipperer, 72, of Brooksville, FL passed away January 26, 2023 after a well fought battle with brain cancer. He was born on 6/9/1950 in Savannah, GA to Herman and Eloise Zipperer. He was raised on a farm and enjoyed being in the Future Farmers of America where he won Grand Champion with his pig “Snuffles”. He also loved to make his favorite snack of what he called “Syrup, Bread, & Milk” using real cane syrup and fresh milk from the farm. Douglas graduated from Effingham County High School in 1968, as the salutatorian of his class. He met his beloved future wife, Kathryn Suzanne Waters, at the church they both attended with their parents, Highlands United Methodist. They were soon married at this church on 11/27/1970. Douglas started college at Georgia Southern, and then transferred to Jacksonville University, graduating in 1972. Douglas received the calling to be a pastor and soon attended Candler School of Theology. While attending college, he became a student pastor at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville, GA from 1972-1974, and then served as student pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Clermont, GA from 1974-1975, until he graduated from the Candler School of Theology. From there, Doug continued to raise a wonderful family with his wife Suzanne, while serving as a pastor in the Florida Conference of First United Methodist Churches–where many times his wife would be the pianist or organist serving happily at his side. He faithfully served the following First United Methodist congregations, even coming out of retirement to answer the Lord’s calling.
1975-1977 Seminole
1977-1980 Hastings
1980-1983 Grace, West Palm Beach
1983-1988 Juno Beach
1988-1992 FUMC Lakeland, Associate 1992-2006 FUMC, Brooksville
2006-1/2009 Port Charlotte
2/2009-2013 Tarpon Springs
6/30/2013 Retired
2017-2021 Shady Hills UMC
At the same time, Doug served on the United Methodist Church’s Federal Credit Union board for over 30 years. He also really enjoyed being a part of many Emmaus teams helping those who wish to explore a deeper relationship with God. There were also many mission trips over the years. He treasured his Covenant Group of fellow pastors–thankful for the strength of the friendships and shared spiritual support for over 30 years.
Douglas was a great man of faith, leading humbly by example. When he was first diagnosed with brain cancer, he told his family that he would be ok–that he knew where he was going no matter what happened. He was so calm and at peace about his diagnosis right from the beginning. It was truly an example of how powerful his faith was in the Lord. He laid a foundation of prayer and faith for his family and his congregations (who were like family to him). He had a way of sharing God’s Word so simply– as if he was just having a conversation with you. He served others with as much effort as his body could handle and more on occasion. He had his eye on God’s plan for his life and was not afraid at all when it came time to meet Jesus… And His Lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” Matthew 25:21 NKJV
Doug loved his family beyond measure. He especially loved his wife Suzanne. He was always doing little things to take care of her and loved to have her company wherever he went. He was the best father and grandfather–whenever the family would get together and you couldn’t find him, all you had to do was look for the room full of grandbabies, and Papa Doug would be on the floor playing with them, reading stories to them, sword/lightsaber fighting with them, swimming with them on his back, and cuddling with them. And as the grandkids got older, you would catch him having conversations with each of them and teasing around with them. He was a jokester who loved to make us laugh and put a smile on our faces. He would do anything for his family.
Doug enjoyed fishing, wood-working, donut-eating, and fixing things, in general–the “jack of all trades”. You might have him over for dinner; and the next thing you know, he is helping you install “this” or fix “that”–still serving others first. Doug (Dad, Papa), you will be missed immensely; but the lessons you have taught will continue to bless us and allow us to bless others. We love you!
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Eloise Zipperer. Doug is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Suzanne Zipperer, four children: Angela (Todd) Wilkes, Jason (Cindy) Zipperer, Andrew (Mary) Zipperer, Jason (Sonsee) Sanders, 11 grandchildren: Savannah Zipperer, Corwin Wilkes, Tanner Zipperer, Emmah Zipperer, Madison Wilkes, Jay Sanders, Noah Zipperer, Austin Zipperer, Cooper Sanders, Carter Sanders, and Kate Sanders, 2 siblings: Pam (Tom) Davis, Craig (Ann) Zipperer,
4 nieces and nephews: Steve (Leigh) Davis, Deidra (Alan) Orth, Ben Zipperer, Kelly Zipperer, and
2 great nephews: Micah Orth, Luke Davis.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.” Praying that we will humbly be able to carry your light forward…
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Brooksville on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to HPH Hospice or UMCOR.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17