Douglas Gordon McCarty

Douglas Gordon McCarty, known affectionately as “Dr. Doug” by his friends and patients, passed away on November 4, 2026, at the age of 71. Doug was born on March 28, 1955 in Springfield, Ohio. He served as a sergeant and Medical Service Specialist in the United States Air Force from 1976-1980, where he earned the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon. He earned his PA-C (Physician’s Assistant certification) in 1984 and was known for his deep compassion and care for his patients throughout his 42 years of medical practice. He was still working in pediatrics when he died.

Doug had an independent and, at times, rebellious spirit. Shortly after receiving his medical certification, he opened his own practices in his hometown of Running Springs, CA and later in Rialto, CA, which he ran for many years, largely because he wanted to be his own boss and be able to wear jeans to work. He was an athlete well into adulthood, playing on men’s basketball and softball teams in the San Bernardino mountains, where he lived from 1986 until recently, when he moved to Victorville. He was also an avid boater, fisherman, golfer, downhill skier, and horseback rider. He grew up with the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and the Doors and he always had music on at home. He loved to grill baby back ribs and considered himself an expert in the art. He was an Ohio State fan for the whole of his life.

Doug was preceded in death by his first wife, Jo Ann (Thorpe) McCarty, parents Billie Owen and Nora Lee (Miller) McCarty, and his brother and sister, Steve McCarty and Diana (McCarty) Hankie. He is survived by his wife, Judy (Miller) McCarty, and his sister, Teresa (McCarty) Hooper. Doug is also survived by his daughter Andrea (McCarty) Ryan and her children, Aliana and Abel, and by his daughter Megan (McCarty) Bridgwater, son-in-law, Iain Bridgwater, and their children, Auley and Luke Joseph. He will be remembered as a lively and fun uncle to his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his aunts Pearline and Ruth and uncles Bill and David. In his final ten years of life, Doug worked for Dr. Aparna Sharma and her team in Victorville, who cared for him like family.

There will be a small ceremony for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ronald McDonald House.