Louie Douglas “Doug” Mclaughlin

Louie Douglas (“Doug”) McLaughlin, 77, of Phenix City, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2015, in the comfort of his home, his loving wife and daughter by his side. Born May 5, 1938, in Columbus, Georgia, he grew up in Harris County, where he met his future wife, Bobbie Ann Smith, when he was fourteen. They were instant sweethearts and celebrated their fifty-fourth anniversary this past June. Most folks knew Doug (affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Mac”) as an educator, as he dedicated his career (and much of his soul) to students and colleagues throughout the Bibb County and Clarke County school districts. Many others knew him as a friend, church mainstay, mentor, fraternity brother, surrogate father, trusted advisor, book recommender and gifter, conversationalist, empath, and soft place to fall. My mom took impeccable, tireless care of Dad for years as his health declined. Even when he was in Hospice care, Mom looked after Dad as a loving wife, nurse, and intuitive companion. No one has been in better, more comforting care, and my hat will always be off to Mom for that. I cannot imagine a paralleled prolonged, sincere display of love. A few days before he died, he requested this: “Please write the obituary the way you want people to remember your dad and your husband.” Being trusted with that is a beautiful and emotional honor, and we appreciate your bearing with us as we do our best to represent him in keeping with his wishes. But it's the most difficult string of words this daughter will ever been tasked with writing. Dad would do anything for most anybody, especially for his family. He had a heart the size of the Pacific Northwest. He called my mom “Bip” because of her happy, bippety-boppity personality. He couldn't stand it when anyone he loved was sad, and he would go to great lengths to comfort them. He was an avid reader and always said, “I can scarce overstate the importance of building your own personal library.” Dad always, always, always ended every discussion with my mom and/or me, no matter how short, with, “I love you.” He loved taking Mom and I to new places, and on our last trip to Maine, he stopped in New Hampshire so I could try to find Salinger. He was very proud of Mom and didn't hesitate to tell people how much she meant to him or how she was his rock. Dad was unceasingly generous and gave liberally of his time and other resources to outreaches like Open Door, Samaritan's Purse, and the Heifer Project (through which he sent flocks of chickens and herds of cattle to families in need all over the world). Dad started a free pharmacy, firewood, and literacy outreach in North Carolina. Students from colleges across the country would volunteer their spring breaks to come work with him. He also founded a wonderful prayer outreach at Trinity United Methodist in Phenix City, where his signature Bible verse was First Peter 5:7. Dad took Mom and me out every Christmas to get hats, gloves, and chocolate covered cherries to give to the homeless and downtrodden. When he was a principal, he bailed lots of students out of jail who were afraid to call their own parents. He smiled whenever he told the story about the time Mom sang in the high school talent show. Ever since I can remember, he's written me a story at Christmastime. He loved freely. He encouraged everyone around him to embrace humility and gratitude. One time, when my mom was sad, he got her a statue of a little girl holding a bunny rabbit. When I was in college, he got me a new car with a big red bow. He was a Bluegrass enthusiast and loved taking his family to Bluegrass festivals. He always knew the perfect thing to say. He often sent me handwritten quotes in English and Latin. He prayed and taught me to never skimp on my prayers. He welcomed friends of my mom's and mine into our home as if they were family. He was proud of us. He jumped in a pool one time, fully clothed, to rescue me when I was little. He was a committed disciplinarian. Once, he punished me when I really didn't deserve it, but only once. He enjoyed harmless pranks. He often told Mom, “I promise to love you beyond forever.” He spent his last days enjoying visits from special friends, watching concerts (like Billy Joel and Travis Tritt), and watching favorite movies (like “Stand By Me”) with his family. Several years ago, Mom and Dad moved back to Alabama to take care of their aging parents. This could go on ad infinitum. But you get the gist. I couldn't be more proud or grateful to call him my dad. Dad is survived by his wife, Bobbie McLaughlin, his daughter, Jennifer (and Jennifer's beloved, Horace Jackson), and his faithful, sweet dog, Leo (or, as Dad called him, “Big Boy”). He is also survived by his nephew and niece, Keith McLaughlin and Kerry McLaughlin, as well as a host of other special cousins, nieces, and nephews. His mother and father, Evelyn McLaughlin and Louie Keith McLaughlin, as well as his grandparents, Berta Hadley and Sheriff M.D. Hadley, and his brother, Bobby McLaughlin, preceded him in death. If anyone would like to make a donation, Dad asked that it be made to the donor's charity of choice, to Trinity United Methodist's (in Phenix City) media and television ministry, or to Gentiva Hospice. Exponential thanks to the countless friendsaЂ”especially neighbors Carol and Bobby Walls–and caregivers who made such a difference in Dad's and our family's world. The McLaughlin family will welcome guests at their home on Saturday, July 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. Dad specifically asked not to have a formal funeral. Dad, we love you beyond forever, and you will always occupy prime real estate in our hearts, souls, and minds. We can scarce overstate. Online condolences may be made at www.vancememorialchapel.net