Douglas Lee McGill

Douglas Lee McGill, age 75, passed away on April 18th, 2024. He was born on September 4, 1948 in Knoxville, TN. He was fond of saying "he came up out of a stump in North Knoxville"! He graduated from Central High School and attended The University of Tennessee. Preceded in death by mother, Helen Kimbrough; step-father, Larry Kimbrough; half-sister, Vickie Jarmon; aunts, Patricia Burnette and Jean Schrader; grandparents, Callie & Hubert Sartain; uncle, Edward baker. Doug is survived by his aunt, Eleanor Wilson and husband Charle; cousins, Chris Baker and wife Linda, Kim Bosch and husband Ernie, Lori Brewer and husband Ray, and many very special friends.

One of Doug's great passions was his work in the garbage industry. He absolutely reveled in providing superior service to his vocation. He was always the Go-To Guy in management as he opted to stay here in the Knoxville area instead of taking a bigger position in a large city. When his patrons needed his service, they always knew they could rely on McGill and called him by name. Doug's employment started with his 50+ year sales career in the waste industry. He began selling Dempster Dumpsters in the early 70's when he worked for Dempster Sales.

Transitioning into the collection side of the business, he worked as the sales and marketing manager for Capital Sanitary Disposal, BFI, Allied Waste, and Waste Connections where he retired in 2023. Known as a fierce competitor, he always placed the customer first. His articulate and comprehensive approach earned him numerous sales and service awards.

One of his others passions was the great outdoors. He lived for his next excursion whether it might be a fishing or hunting trip, planning every aspect of the adventure in minute detail. His exploits took him to Argentina, Canada, and many places in-between. He was so precise in his planning we aptly called him Mother McGill as he never forgot any gear or any trip detail. At the end of the adventure, he always seemed to have caught the biggest fish or the best critter (whether legally or otherwise obtained). He was quick to educate anyone who would listen on his results or substantiate his claims with pictures. Doug had many buddies who traveled with him over the years all of whom have fond stories, most of which are not exaggerated or embellished ... at least by us! We were all enamored with his knowledge, experience, and joy of the zest for the chase (not to mention his jest and shenanigans while chasing). With McGill, the mold was definitely thrown away.

Special thanks go to Eric White, captain of the Knoxville fire department, who took care of Doug's needs (AND THERE WERE MANY) and wishes. Eric was always cheerful, accommodating, and patient while McGill barked orders for more than 25 years! Doug always claimed that Eric was like a son to him.

Doug was definitely one of those bigger than life characters who always made the party interesting. His parting DEMAND was for that party to continue Friday afternoon, Calhoun's on the River, immediately following the graveside inurnment at 3 pm at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.