Roscoe Jerome Douglas
February 19, 1948 - September 24, 2018
Macon, GA- Roscoe Jerome Douglas, 70, of Macon passed away September 24, 2018. A memorial service / potluck will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 2:00PM.
Roscoe was born February 19, 1948 to Ruth Douglas and the late Dewey Douglas of Dothan, Alabama. After graduating from Dothan High School in 1966, he attended Auburn University where he paid for his classes by co-oping every other quarter for Pan-American which involved scuba diving throughout the Caribbean. His experiences co-oping instilled in him a lifelong love of travel.
In 1969, Roscoe was drafted into the Army, but after an uncle of his told him "he couldn't cut it" in the Marine Corps, he opted to join the Marines instead to become one of the few and the proud. After boot camp, he volunteered for orders and was sent to Morocco. After serving two years in the Marines, he was honorably discharged and finished his degree at Auburn.
Shortly after Roscoe got out of the Marine Corps he married Gwen Davis. Gwen and Roscoe were married 47 years. They had four children: Aleve Douglas (Kristafer Abplanalp), Wendy Rankine (Will), Elizabeth Peed (Caleb), and Roscoe Christopher Douglas (Leah Quinn); and eight grandchildren who lovingly called him Poppy. He loved the Lord, his family, friends, work, travel, and taking lots and lots of pictures. He was generous to a fault and believed what the Lord blessed you with should be shared with others. Family gatherings were not just for family, anyone was welcome.
He sold insurance for most of his married life, an occupation which he called his dream job. He thought the word "no" meant you needed more information.
Roscoe's adventures took him all over the world. He travelled extensively in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He learned to ride horses in the Moroccan countryside, road a camel through the deserts of Egypt; rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, walked through Himalayan mountains, and hiked the Incan Trail to Machu Pichu. At the age of 58 he started running marathons. After completing marathons in all 50 states he continued to run, or rather, walk, over 140 marathons on 4 continents. Roscoe loved to tell stories and would find someone to talk to during EVERY race to help that person finish their marathon.
In April 2015, Roscoe was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer and was told he likely had six months to live. He refused conventional treatments, insisting on quality of life as opposed to quantity of life. He advocated for his cancer treatment and would tell EVERY person about other options to chemotherapy, most notably proton therapy. The proton therapy, along with his strong faith in Jesus Christ, gave him four more "Poppy's Swim Camps." It enabled him to see two of his children get married, and welcome two more grandchildren into the family, all while living life to the fullest and taking countless selfies along the way. Roscoe was authentically himself up until the very end, and while he loved this life intensely, he was excited about his change of address.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation (www.crb1.org), which is the blindness that affects one of his grandsons, or a donation to Ritchie Circle Guest House at Loma Linda University (24873 Taylor St, Loma Linda, CA 92354), where he stayed during treatment in California.
Interment will be private.
Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.
Hart's at the Cupola has charge of the arrangements.

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Published by The Telegraph on Sep. 27, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Roscoe Douglas

16 Entries

Raymond Armstrong

September 29, 2018

I am extremely saddened for Roscoe's family and friends. His determination and resolve in battling cancer while maintaining such an optimistic attitude and continuing his many adventures is beyond comprehension for many of us. Roscoe and I had a gentlemen's bet on which one of us would first die of cancer and I'm not sure who won or lost that friendly wager. Our last conversation on that effort was several days before he passed away and he knew exactly where he was going.

As first cousins for 70 years , counselors and confidants to each other , and fellow Marines, I already miss you.

valerie wynn

September 28, 2018

I met Roscoe in a Dale Carnegie class many, many years ago and then on into the insurance business and we have been friends ever since. He was full of great stories and words of wisdom and knowledge. He was a very special person and Heaven has gained a special angel. God bless him and Gwen and the family.

Ruth Ann Niehausen

September 28, 2018

I looked forward to reading his posts on Facebook. He was a blessing from God.

Joe & Kim Braun & Rankine

September 28, 2018

We'll always remember Roscoe as just how he appears in his obituary picture, a wonderfully congenial man, always ready with a smile and a friendly conversation. Keep smiling, Roscoe! God Bless.

Derry Burns

September 28, 2018

Roscoe was a unique and inspiring individual that who touched many lives and will be missed. Prayers go out to the family.

Alice L. Hunnicutt

September 27, 2018

It was a pleasure to know Roscoe here on Facebook. We never met in person, yet I feel certain we will one day in heaven. I'm extending my deepest sympathy to his wife, family & close friends & offering prayer for peace & comfort now & in the days to come.

Kathy Goolsby

September 27, 2018

Roscoe was an unique individual who included everyone he knew. Many remember him from races. But I also remember the many times he took food to people on Christmas Eve who had little or no food. He just said go and many followed. You were a bright crayon in the his Roscoe

Merrill's Mile July 2015

Cheryl Murdock

September 27, 2018

I met Roscoe, as many others did, on a running event, probably a marathon. I don't actually remember the first time, but I would often look for him either at the back of the start line or along the course. Both of being slow runners we did a lot of talking. It was at an event in July of 2015 that he asked me "what would do if you were told you had 6 months to live". It was then that I learned he had cancer.
I ran or walked with Roscoe several more times. We often talked about our faith. Roscoe was never afraid to share his faith with anyone. He also spoke of his diet, something not everyone encouraged or agreed with. He said he wanted to live an active life as long as the Lord allowed. I never ever heard him complain. If you asked him how he was doing, he would often turn the conversation to "how are you doing."
A few years ago I attended his birthday "run" held at a beautiful park in Macon. I completed 26+ plus miles most of them with him. He wanted to complete a marathon distance that day and was afraid the park would close before he finished. Knowing Roscoe, I know he did. I told myself that no matter where I was or what I was doing, I would attend the celebration of his "homecoming."
It was an honor knowing Roscoe. He will never be forgotten.

Bonnie Wilson

September 27, 2018

Dear Douglas Family,
Im so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful life. Roscoe was one of the few who truly touched the lives and hearts of all those he met, leaving behind smiles at the mention of his name. His presence will be missed but his legacy lives on! Praying that your hearts can smile knowing that this man lived every second his way.

Dennis Peavy

September 27, 2018

I never met Poppy but I have heard and read many stories about him when I taught William and Weston in fourth grade. Both of them had great memories which cannot be taken away. I also know that he raised a very strong daughter in Wendy. She exudes a confidence that says I will be heard, but is also kind and respectful. So, even though I never met Poppy, I have met some of the results of his hard work and I appreciate the life he lived. My sympathies to all of you.

Danny & Brenda Gail Wall

September 26, 2018

Danny & I express our sympathies to Roscoe's family and friends!

Brooke Lynch

September 26, 2018

I first had the pleasure of meeting Roscoe when I was 15. My dad was just beginning his career as a psychologist and worked a few doors down from Roscoe in the peek-a-blue building in downtown Macon. After my dad merged his church and the counseling practice, we lost touch with Roscoe, until Roscoe and I reconnected on Facebook a few years ago. Im awed and absolutely inspired by the life he led. He reminded me of a modern day Job. So many trials that would get most people down, but he didnt let it happen. Instead, running marathons and traveling abroad often. Id have never guessed he was seventy, or really even in his fifties by his looks or actions. I never witnessed any complaints posted on his page, even toward the end. In all my life, I truly cannot think of anyone more inspirational. The world could absolutely use a few more Roscoes! I can only imagine the joyous homecoming that awaited him yesterday! What an amazing life and an amazing gift he gave to everyone that knew him!

Suzanne Anderson

September 26, 2018

I went to high school and Vineville Baptist Church with Wendy and Aleve. Your whole family was a good part of my teen years. I am sorry for your loss.

Cecelia Logue

September 26, 2018

My husband and I got to know Roscoe and his beautiful wife Gwen, at Ballroom Dance lessons. He really enjoyed dancing, and always made everyone smile. Our friendship continued long after the lessons ended. We would walk the track at the Wellness Center, he was always so full of joy and love, I don't think I ever heard him say, anything unkind about anyone. He adored Gwen and loved his family. I will always smile when I think of him, he was a special man.

Jim Lambert

September 26, 2018

Roscoe and I met through the Insurance industry and became instant friends. We jogged/walked numerous laps on the track at the Wellness Center just about every weekday mornings. Im surprised there are still problems in the world because Roscoe and I solved them all during those early morning walks! He was the epitome of a Christian and a Gentleman. Rest easy my friend.

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