Stephen L. Douglas, age 71, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016
surrounded by his wife and daughters. Steve was born August 3, 1945 in
Franklin, Kentucky to Howard Brice Douglas and Wally Chitwood Douglas who
both preceded him in death. He grew up in Greenbriar, Tennessee where he
spent his youth doing just about every job available in his father’s
grocery store, Douglas IGA. He graduated from Greenbriar High School in
1963. Steve then attended Middle Tennessee State University from 1963 to
1965 before proudly serving in the United States Air Force from 1965
until 1969. He reported to the Base Commander, specializing in locating
enemy combatants using aerial photographs during the Vietnam War. While
in service to his country he married his college sweetheart, Susan
Wilson, in Tullahoma, Tennessee in 1967 where they would eventually make
their home. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force he returned
to MTSU where he graduated with honors in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science
in Business Administration. Reflecting on his time as a Boy Scout and
further distinction as an Eagle Scout, Steve would eventually serve as
Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Tullahoma Council. During his life
he was a member of the Tullahoma Rotary Club, Lakewood Golf and Country
Club and was a former member of First Baptist Church, Tullahoma and a
current member of First United Methodist Church, Tullahoma. For years he
contributed to the Toys 4 Tots program, which was an experience he shared
with his daughters. Closest to his heart was his annual donation to the
Chaplain at the Fort Campbell, Kentucky Army post. The donation was given
each Christmas and his letter asked the Chaplain to use the donation to
his discretion. It was always used to support the family of a service
member sent abroad, and ultimately allowed the soldier’s spouse and
children to travel from the base to be with their family during the
holidays. In Tullahoma, he worked at First Federal Savings & Loan. He
then became President and CEO of United Guarantee Savings and Loan.
Later, he founded his own business, Douglas Appraisal Service where he
completed over 30,000 home and land appraisals. Steve also loved teaching
night classes in real estate at Motlow State Community College. Steve was
preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ronnie and Mike
Douglas. He is survived by his loving wife, who he adored, Susan Wilson
Douglas; daughter Brooke Douglas Thompson (Greg) of Brentwood, TN,
daughter Ashley Douglas Rossi (Tom) of Carrollton, TX; grandchildren
Audrey & Will Thompson and Jack & Alex Rossi. Visitation will be held
Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with a
funeral service to immediately follow at Kilgore Funeral Home, 215
Mitchell Blvd., Tullahoma, TN, 37388. There will be a private family
burial held later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to
the Fort Campbell Fisher House at 652 Joel Drive, Fort Campbell, KY 42223
or online at www.fortcampbellfisherhouse.org and include “in memory of
Stephen L. Douglas” on your donation.
Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.