Doug L. Harley

Doug Harley was born March 17, 1949, in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Theodore Harley and Loraine Eversole. He grew up near 35th and Rowan Streets and attended St. Columba School. He was the second of three children.
Doug attended Flaget High School and then Ahrens Trade High School (Class of 1968), where he graduated with a focus in Auto Mechanics. While in high school, he worked at a family-owned Standard Oil Station in Shively.
Soon after graduation, Doug enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he completed a combat tour in Vietnam, serving on the U.S. Navy Cruiser, USS Newport News (CA-148). During this deployment, Doug's unit was awarded the "Top Gun" award and Meritorious Unit Commendation for the numerous gunfire support missions the unit participated in while supporting allied troops on the ground. Doug is a second-generation combat Veteran.
Doug was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and returned to Louisville where rented his first apartment in the south-end. He worked as a mechanic in a shop near Anchorage, Kentucky. Soon after, he married the mother of his children, Nancy Roth Harley. Doug and Nancy had four boys together, David, Dan, Dale and Dean. He worked as a Corrections Officer in LaGrange, KY before he reenlisted in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard, where he held several positions throughout the years, including huey helicopter Crew Chief and enlisted Military Police Officer. He retired from Active Guard Reserve as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) Recruiter after 22 years of service. Doug was proud of his service to this country. He further served his community by volunteering as a Reserve Deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. He retired in 2005 as a Sergeant after 11 years of service.
After his retirement, Doug found peace riding his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle. Often, he would ride with his late, long-time girlfriend, Theresa "Teri" Marie Spencer. Every holiday season, Doug and Teri would raise money for the Toys for Tots' program to give hope for America's disadvantaged children. Doug was a proud member of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
Doug was a member of the Hikes Point Christian Church. He renewed his faith in December of 2020, when he was baptized again.
Doug was one of the toughest men this world has ever known. After he and Teri were involved in a tragic accident on October 19, 2024, Doug fought hard to recover from his injuries. After 16 days of fighting, Doug passed away while surrounded by many of his loved ones, while he was being treated at Baptist Hospital East, in Louisville.
Doug is preceded in death by his father and mother; Ted and Loraine, and his longtime girlfriend, Teri. He is survived by his children; David Harley, Dan Harley (Kim), Dale Harley (Shawna), and Dean Harley, his brother and sister; Tom Harley (Ginny) and Cheryl Mitchum (Rob), the mother of his children; Nancy Harley, 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, the Harley family requests you make a donation in Doug's name to the Toys for Tots Organization (ToysforTots.org).