Douglas Ray "Doug" Baldwin

Doug Baldwin passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2026, in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He was 68 years old. He was a pilot, a father, a husband, and one of the most quietly steady people you'd ever meet.

Born on July 20, 1957, in Marlin, Texas, Doug was a proud Texan. He was a competitive swimmer growing up and went on to earn his degree in meteorology from Florida State University, where he loved spelunking with his college friends. From there, he did what he was always meant to do. He became a pilot. Doug flew for American Airlines for 37 years and earned the rank of Captain. He spent most of his career flying the Super 80 and retired flying the Boeing 777 on international routes. He loved to fly.

Doug and Dawn moved from Texas to Hendersonville, North Carolina, where they spent the last 14 years together. Doug loved spending time on the property, working alongside Danny, who they'd hired to help and who became a close friend. The two of them were often found talking just as much as they were working. Doug hiked the mountain trails around Hendersonville and was the person everyone in the family asked about the weather.

But if you asked his sons, they'd tell you their dad was happiest being their dad. Doug coached Michael and Brandon's football and baseball teams, and he loved every second of it. The practices, the games, playing sports with his boys. He also sat with them through their homework, especially math. He was really good at math. They weren't always thrilled about it at the time, but they're thankful for it now. He didn't just show up for his family. He was always there, in every way that mattered, for 39 years of marriage to Dawn and every day of his sons' lives.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Huber Baldwin and Donald Ray Baldwin, and his father-in-law, Ray Joseph.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn; his sons, Michael and his wife Jessica of Fort Royal, Virginia, and Brandon of Hendersonville; his sister, Debra Ann Baldwin; his Uncle Melvin Huber and wife Rachel; his mother-in-law, Edith Joseph; his sister-in-law, Sharon Maples and her husband Dan; and the family dog, Azzy. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A service to celebrate Doug's life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, Georgia 30068.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Doug's name.