Robert Lee Douglas
'Bob'
Bob Douglas, a lifelong resident of Charlotte was called home by his Lord on Sunday, June 21 2009. A service to celebrate his life will be held at in the Francis Chapel of Myers Park United Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Following the service, friends are invited to Jubilee Hall to share refreshments and memories of Bob's life.
Mr. Douglas was the son of Harlee Todd Douglas, who died at his birth, and Ben E. Douglas, former mayor of Charlotte. His father's second wife, Carolyn Wilkes Douglas, became his mother of love. Bob began making lifelong friends while attending public schools in Charlotte as well as Porter Military Academy in Charleston, SC. He was a graduate of Burtons Business College and the National Institute of Cleaners in Washington, DC. He served in the Naval Reserves during WWII.
In 1950, Bob married his childhood sweetheart, Sue Sellers, at Myers Park United Methodist Church where they remained members to the present day. He loved the Church, his family, friends and the City of Charlotte. Those who knew Bob respected him as an honorable gentleman and a loyal friend. He was the epitome of integrity reflecting the long honored term, 'His word was his bond.' Everyone he met enjoyed his warm, friendly smile and his kind, gentle nature.
Early in life, at age 15, Bob exercised his entrepreneurial skills by opening Bobby's Snack Bar at Myrtle Beach, SC. He soon followed with Douglas Dry Cleaners in Charlotte and in the 1960s he established Music Incorporated on Elizabeth Avenue. In the music business he traveled three states providing musical instruments to students, delighting them by organizing school bands. After graduating from the National Institute of Realtors he founded Douglas Realty. In 1994 he was designated as an honorary Lifetime Member of the Charlotte Association of Realtors. Bob was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board for the airport Chaplaincy at Douglas International Airport.
Mr. Douglas is survived by his wife, Sue Sellers Douglas; son, Robert Lee Douglas, Jr. and wife Betsy Strode Douglas of Berkeley, California; daughter, Carolyn 'Ginger' Douglas Ott and husband Michael H. Ott of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Ryan Ott, Andrew Ott, Sam Douglas and Kate Douglas; sister Jean Beall and husband Tom Beall; nieces, Diane Douglas Carter, Meredith Carter, Catherine Berry; nephews, Kevin Foley, Jonathan Carter, Ben Douglas III, and Steven Douglas.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 or to the Myers Park United Methodist Church, Haiti Medical Mission, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.
The Douglas family expresses their deep appreciation to the many friends, neighbors, and health care officials who have supported them so lovingly during Bob's illness. Please know that no kindness has gone unnoticed.
Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service. Please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.