Tellico Village. Douglas Edward Millsaps (Doug) went to be with Jesus October 7, 2026. Born December 16, 1944, in Knoxville, TN, he lived there until 2012 when he and his wife moved to Tellico Village outside of Loudon, TN. He graduated from Young High School in 1962, Carson-Newman University (then College) in 1967, and did additional graduate work at the University of TN. After teaching social studies in Newport, TN, for 2 years, he came home to teach in the Knoxville school system for 18 years and spent the next 18 years as an attendance supervisor.
Doug became a Christian at 10 years old and joined South Knoxville Baptist Church where he later was ordained as a deacon. As a member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church, he sang in the choir and was a part of its Living Christmas Tree for many years. After the move to Tellico Village, he joined First Baptist Church of Lenoir City and participated in Bible study there.
He was preceded in death by his parents Noah and Berniece Millsaps of Gatlinburg, TN. He leaves behind his wife of almost 55 years, Ellen, a son Stephen (Rebekah), two grandsons, Riley and Graham of Knoxville, TN, and two sisters-in-law in Tellico Village: Myra Molgaard (Tim) and Trish Wilson (Tony).
Doug loved all things weather, especially snow, and had a professional weather station and instruments to monitor conditions. He also loved traveling: he and his wife traveled to 49 of the 50 states, plus many countries. Some of his favorite activities included eating chicken and dumplings, following UT sports, listening to 60’s music while driving, and going often to eat at Wright’s Cafeteria and Vol Market.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. A service will follow at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Gideons International or to First Baptist Church Lenoir City.
