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BORN
1935
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
90 Simmonsville Road
Bluffton, South Carolina
Doug Corkern Obituary
January 9, 1935 - December 31, 2023
Bluffton, South Carolina - Doug was born to Jessie and Willis Corkern January 9, 1935. He grew up in Georgetown, SC and graduated from Winyah High School where he was an all-around athlete. He became a cadet at Clemson College majoring in architecture where he made lifelong friends. Doug married his high school sweetheart, Jean Missroon, his junior year and from there, they began their 64 year adventure together.
In 1960, Doug's life was forever changed by a chance meeting with a young Charles Fraser who was impressed with Doug's vision and talent. After accepting the offer to move to an undeveloped barrier island, Doug became one of most influential residents on Hilton Head. Although Doug's architectural career has been honored countless times locally and nationally, it has been his influence on so many people throughout his life that truly spoke of this great man. As a mentor to young artists and architects, he shared his vast knowledge and expertise inspiring the next generation with his passion for creativity. His talents were displayed in gorgeous wood sculpture, pen & ink sketches, sepia drawings, and watercolor paintings. Doug flourished on the Island over 4 decades enjoying a wonderful camaraderie with the other 'old timers' and their families. He and Jean moved to Old Town Bluffton 21 years ago where they were quickly embraced. His new beloved town honored Doug as its first 'Person of the Year' and as grand marshal for its Christmas parade.
Hundreds of friends, his cousins and Jean's loving Missroon family will feel great loss, however, his dearest friends Ed Pinckney, Charlene Gardner along with his daughter, Coby (Bobby) Mozingo, son Christopher (Adelaide) Corkern and grandchildren Savannah (Ryan Kane), West and Parker Mozingo, Claire and Clay Corkern will forever have a big part of their heart missing. Doug is predeceased by his wife Jean, son Scott, infant son Clay and brother Terrell.
Respects may be paid to the family Friday, January 12, 3-5 p.m. with funeral services Saturday, January 13, 10:00 a.m. both held at Campbell Chapel AME Church, Bluffton, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Campbell Chapel AME Historic Church Restoration Fund or Historic Bluffton Foundation mail to: P.O. Box 23019, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 or online at https://lowcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate
See Saul's Funeral Home, Bluffton website for Doug's complete obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Doug Corkern
Bill Doar
December 6, 2025
I remember when we were in grammar school Doug would always be called upon to draw at Christmas time a Santa at Christmas time on the black board. Doug was extremely talented and was a great baseball catcher and football center. He was a good high school friend and I miss him.
Bill Doar
February 23, 2024
I was a member of Doug´s 1953 Winyah High School class. I have known Doug since grade school. He was a wonderful friend.
Nancy and James Dalton
January 17, 2024
Deepest condolences to Doug's family and friends. Jim and I are so deeply saddened by the passing of this beloved and talented architect, artist, and planner who left such a legacy on Lowcountry design. He was also an engaging artist, so generous with his talent and a great humanitarian. We will miss him until the end of our lives.
Alan Jackson
January 13, 2024
It was a privilege to know and work with Doug since the `70s.
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Mary Edna Fraser
January 10, 2024
Doug allowed me to run Jean's art gallery in his architectural studio. The Fox Grape Gallery was one of the island´s first art galleries, and I met the best of South Carolina artists featured on their walls and floors and even in the pool for openings. Monthly gatherings brought out the Island's brilliant settlers. He provided a studio and encouraged so many young creative people. Doug's style protected the environment and each building is unique to the place it was built. Hilton Head and Bluffton have benefitted from his talents as well as anyone who had the pleasure to be in his heartwarming company. A fine human has left this earth, yet his legacy will remain to remind us to love where we live.
Don Peterson
January 10, 2024
Although I do not live on Hilton Head anymore I first met Doug in 1965 and have shared many wonderful memories over the years from business to golf and more. Rest In Peace with Jean and Scott. Don Peterson,friend
Pat and Patti Simoneaux
January 10, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jeffrey Rosenblum, FAIA
January 9, 2024
A great Architect both local and Statewide. I met Doug through the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He was always an inspiration and mentor. I will miss Doug's talent, personality, and wit.
Ginnie Watson
January 8, 2024
Doug was so important in Michael's and my lives, and we miss him tremendously already, Michael and I met while we both worked for him in the early 1970's - he was such a great inspiration, caring soul, great mentor, and a true friend to both of us. No one could believe how talented he was, both in designing architecturally incredible homes, his amazing carvings, his skills as an ink and watercolor painter, among so many other beautifully artistic things. He was a friend to everyone who truly knew him, and he will be sorely missed by all. Blessings, Doug. Do your great works in Heaven, with Jean by your side. You have always been a blessing in our lives.
John Jacques
January 8, 2024
Over the weekend, I was unpacking a box of books and putting them up on the shelves as we settle into our new home. When I came upon his book "Bluffton Sketches" I paused for a moment to look through the wonderful drawings that are so inspired by time and place. Doug taught all of us so very much through his example and offered us so much through his generous spirit. I will remember him fondly and think of him often.
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