Dr. Douglas Clayton Beatty

Douglas Clayton Beatty M.D., 64, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2012 after a brief illness in Gainesville, FL. He was born in Sanford, FL on December 30, 1947. He was widely travelled thanks to his distinguished military career, being stationed in Mississippi, Iceland, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas. He considered Georgia his home.

Doug was a man of many talents and interests. He was a true renaissance man. He was a physician. He completed his training at Medical College of Georgia in 1973 and through this training and his deep compassion he touched many lives. He was an officer. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel in 1989. He was a botanist. He loved nature and loved to recount stories of the time he spent studying plants in Highlands, NC. He was a poet. He loved to surprise friends and family with his prose. He was a editorialist, making numerous contributions to local newspapers over the years. He was an artist, with a talent for every task that he set his mind to. He was a wanderer, an avid naturalist and a hopeless romantic.

Doug truly loved his family. Among the greatest battles that he fought were those in the arena of relationships and family dynamics. Some were decisive victories and others abject failures.

Each of his children held their own special place in his heart. He loved spending time with them. From vacations, to birthdays; from major life events, to simply sitting around the kitchen table; there was no place that he would rather be than in their midst. Whether present or absent, his heart was always with his family.

He is survived by his mother Ann, three brothers: Bryant Hodgson, David Beatty, and John Beatty & two sisters: Lisa Brown and Laura Becker.

Doug is also survived by Jean Beatty of Valdosta, GA. with whom reconciliation was cut short by his untimely death. His children are Valerie McLaughlin of Statesboro, GA, John S. Beatty of Edgefield, SC, Kristi Beatty Crum of Danville, CA, Timothy Beatty of Lake Park, GA, Mary Beatty Wise of Evans, GA, Michael Beatty of Valdosta, GA and James Beatty of Valdosta, GA.

The births of 16 grandchildren brought a new light into his life. Valerie’s children are Bryson and Brayden, John's children are Brock, Ashley, Casey, Dustin, McKenzie, Marcie, and Mollie. Krisiti's children are Carson and Connor. Tim's children are Alyssa, Mason, Brennon, and Anna Beth. Mary's son is Daniel.

The presence of Doug, Dad, & Grandpa will be sorely missed in our family.