Douglass Hugh (Doug) Wurst — Age 71 of Tullahoma, TN, passed away at home on September 22, 2014, after courageously battling cancer for eight years.
No services are scheduled.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Eileen Wurst, and twin brother, Cliff Wurst.
He is survived by his loving wife, Leslie, of Tullahoma and devoted son, Cory Jackson, of Nashville, TN.
Born on October 17, 1942, in Dearborn, Michigan, he received a B.S.E. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. In the mid-1960s, he and twin brother Cliff moved to Manchester, TN, as co-op students at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AECD). He was a computer programmer at the AEDC von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility; a professional musician; and a programmer analyst at the University of Tennessee Space Institute in Tullahoma, TN, where he met his future wife, Leslie Anne Sharber of Goodlettsville. Doug and Leslie married in 1978 and, in 1985, their son Cory Jackson was born.
Doug was an accomplished and enthusiastic engineer, entrepreneur, mathematician, woodworker and carpenter, guitar player, and barefoot skier. He and friend Robb Garrett conceived, designed, and built two 20-foot custom ski boats. He was a member of the American Barefoot Club of the American Waterski Association and even at age 69 continued to barefoot waterski while battling cancer. Doug was a guitarist and vocalist in the 1960’s band, “The Uncalled For,” whose music was revived in recent years leading to the band’s performance at the 2011 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
Doug was a gentle, patient, and masterful teacher and mentor who gave generously of his time and talents to anyone who asked, from high school math students to water ski novices. He was most proud of the 1905 home and property, overlooking Ovoca Falls, which he restored and renovated alongside his wife Leslie, and the character and accomplishments of his son, Cory, who carries on his father’s barefoot skiing tradition.
All our gratitude to the physicians and nurses at Tennessee Oncology, St. Thomas Hospital, the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, and many devoted friends and family, who tenaciously and lovingly supported and cared for Doug.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.