William E. Douglas

Still waters can run very deep. Such is the case with the beloved William “Bill” Earl Douglas. This quiet, seemingly shy man, was definitely a force to be reckoned with, both in the field of education and politics. Bill was born on January 27, 1933, to Willie and Lula Fitts Douglas, in Gallatin, Tennessee. At a young age his family moved to Indianapolis, where he was nurtured by his aunts, uncles, and his treasured grandparents, Jeff and Luella Fitts. Bill attended Indianapolis Public School (IPS) Elder W. Diggs #42. Early in his life, Bill exhibited leadership skills through his participation in school activities, church governance at Mount Paran Baptist Church, and with accepting the responsibility of several newspaper routes during his teenaged years. Of course, in those times, the mode of transportation was to walk or bike the route. Bill graduated with honors from Crispus Attucks High School, June 1950. In 1953, Bill met and married Fredia Hughes, a fellow student at Butler University. Early in their marriage, the Draft Board called his number. He was sent to Fort Riley, KS for basic training. The Adjunct General School at Fort Harrison was his next assignment where he trained to be a court reporter. After completing his training, the army sent him to Yokohoma, Japan as part of the Transportation Department. He received an honorable discharge in 1955. Back in Indy, Bill worked for the U.S. Postal Service and returned to his studies at Butler. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 with majors in English, History, and Secondary Education. In 1961 he added a Masters’ degree, plus 45 hours, at Butler in Administration and Management, Curriculum Instruction, and Supervision. He began his first teaching assignment at IPS John Hope #26, where he provided instruction to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in Social Studies and Language Arts. Somehow, he also found time to teach Adult GED classes, as well as English and History, at his alma mater, Crispus Attucks Evening Division. For many years he worked multiple jobs to provide for his family because along the way, Bill and Fredia became the parents of three: Tanya, Vicki, and Steve. All three children, as well as Fredia, also held various positions as educators. Sadly, Vicki preceded him in transitioning earlier this year, and Fredia passed away in 1994. Bill’s professional career progressed when he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Supplemental and Auxiliary Services for IPS in 1977. This position, which he held for 18 years, mandated the responsibility for the development, supervision, and budgeting of all federal, state, and locally funded programs implemented throughout IPS. It was during this time that the Parents-In-Touch and Dial-a-Teacher programs were developed under his auspices; a number of competitive grant proposals resulting in several million dollars of external funding were obtained and a number of Magnet Schools were developed. In 1995, Bill retired from IPS, but not from school business. For three years he was a part-time instructor of Educational Psychology at Marian University. Bill was undeniably a public servant. He was appointed as Chief Executive of Operations for the Center Township Trustee’s Office in 1996. He served in that position until 2009, when he was elected as the Center Township Trustee. Bill served as Trustee until he retired in December, 2010. In addition to public office, Bill provided his share of public services as a Precinct Committee Person; Board member of the Metropolitan Police Department Merit Board; the Urban Enterprise Association; the Martindale-Brightwood Community Development Corporation; the Indianapolis Commission on African-American Males; and the Indianapolis Urban League. Bill was recognized for his expertise and dedication to Education when the Indianapolis Education Association awarded him the Human Rights Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education in 1982 and he was named Sagamore of the Wabash in 1990. Bill and Fredia had traveled to Canada and all over the United States before she passed away. They also traveled abroad to France, Italy, Hawaii, and Hong Kong. He loved the game of golf but gave it up after an injury to his knee. He also loved reading. Bill adored and was so proud of ALL of his “children,” which includes not only his biological family, but also the children he taught in the classroom; those adults whom he mentored; and the many others to whom he was a “big brother and advisor.” During his adolescence, Bill contracted poliomyelitis. In quiet solidarity, without complaints, he fought this disease his entire life, until he could no longer overcompensate for the physical damage it did to his extremities and respiratory system. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Fredia Douglas, and his daughter, Vicki J. Endsley. To cherish his presence and memory are his children, Tanya Douglas-Cain (Henry); Steve Douglas (Donita); and grandchildren Kelli Bain (Cubell); Kristen Bell; Kandas Bean; Rian Hodgens; Victoria Elliott; Rodney S. Endsley; William Endsley; Crystal Walker (Jason); Leslie Quiocho (Daniel) Steve W. E. Douglas (Sidney); and Alisa Douglas. Others who remain are his brother Robert E. Douglas (Betty); many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and a host of “sister and brother-cousins” who will miss him dearly.