Douglas K. Stewart

Douglas Keith Stewart passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2023, in Port Orange, FL, after a brief period of illness. Doug is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Amber (Jason), grandchildren Ava and Jonathan and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Douglas and Betty and his close friends Chuck Hirst and Tim Beck. Doug was born on August 7, 1955, to Douglas and Betty Stewart in Williamson, WV, because their hometown of Pikeville, KY, didn’t have a hospital. In Elementary school his family moved to Daytona Beach Shores and owned the Sunglow Cottages, where Doug developed his love for surfing, fishing and anything salt water. As an only child, Doug was a dedicated son who enjoyed working on his prized 1931 Ford Model A with his father and teasing his mother. He graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1973 and, after a brief period living in Key West, he returned to the Daytona Beach area.

Doug attended the fire academy and by graduation, had formed friendships that would last the rest of his life, like that of his close friend Jimmy Gelow. Doug joined the City of Daytona Beach Shores as a firefighter and began working alongside his childhood friends Chuck Hirst and Elaine Ellis, whom he would later marry. Over the years Doug and his fellow firefighters and police officers would create memories that would make them laugh for years to come.

Doug had a lifelong love for motorcycles, boats, surfing, his Ford Model A and his bright red F150 Lightning. Doug proudly retired as a Commander from the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety after 28 years of service in 2004. Upon retirement he spent time living in Ponce Inlet, enjoying the outdoors, playing billiards, and making new friends. While he may never have predicted it, his new neighbors, Ray Woodin & Ricky Pasternak, several decades his junior, would soon become so close that they were like family. For years Doug enjoyed his close bond with Ray and his best friend Cabo, with Ricky, his wife Ashley, and their boys Reef & Jetty who became additional grandchildren to Doug. From holidays to Orlando Magic games, Thursday nights with the billiards team to long days on the boat, and nights in the garage, these friends and Doug’s family made his life complete.

Doug was fortunate to spend his 68th birthday with family, dear friends and the waterfront view he enjoyed so much on Riverside Drive. He spent the day reliving memories, telling stories and being surrounded by love. Doug was also fortunate to spend his final days in the comfort of his own home, with his family by his side and able to enjoy his nightly Jeopardy game.

Please join us in sharing memories of Doug, while we enjoy some of his favorite snacks and drinks Wednesday August 23rd from 6-8 p.m at the Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Dr., Daytona Beach Shores, FL. The Celebration of Life including Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Department will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The family encourages everyone to wear something in Doug’s favorite color of red, or Hawaiian. Please no black. In lieu of flowers, there will be a donation box for Halifax Hospice at the celebration.

Written with love by Amber Schafer

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com for the Stewart family.