Douglas L. Haley

On September 5, 2024 at 1:03 PM, my husband, Douglas, the love of my life, my best friend, so witty and smart, and the most wonderful dad to our daughters, passed on to his Heavenly home. He is finally set free of the horrible disease Early-Onset Alzheimer's.
Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Doug was the youngest of four children to Faye and Clinton Haley (deceased). He is survived by his wife Sharon, his devoted life partner of 48 years, and his two beautiful, talented daughters, Heather (Steven) Spain, Knoxville and Brittany (Trey) Hobson, Knoxville. In addition, he leaves behind his five precious grandchildren who he treasured dearly, and who all adored his "O' boy" in a Donald Duck voice; Logan Spain, Lily Spain, Isadora Hobson, Ilyana Hobson, and his most recent addition, Ilarya Hobson, who was given her Papaw's middle name Lee. Also mourning are his three surviving siblings, Kathy Goldstein, sister, Newton, MA, Kenneth (Kris) Haley, brother, Clinton, TN, and Darryl (Debbie) Haley, brother, Knoxville, TN. Also, he leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law on his and Sharon's side of the family.
Graduating from Bearden High School in 1975, he completed four years of Latin with hopes of becoming a doctor. After a couple of years at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, he realized the medical field was not for him and decided to pursue Computer Programming/Accounting. He graduated with high honors and was in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. For more than 33 years Doug's career expanded from programmer analyst to Sr. AS/400 Programmer, to Sr JD Edwards System/ERP Management and CNC Administrator/Business Analyst. In 2017, due to his employer moving out of state, Doug chose early retirement. Over the last few years he assisted our contractor on our home renovations and after his diagnosis in 2019, he continued working in the window business until late 2023.
Among Doug's favorite hobbies/interests was antique shopping, his 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible, classic cars, tall ships. But, the one thing he loved the most was taking cruises and vacations with his family.
Doug was a loving and compassionate man, who always extended a helping hand to family, friends, or anyone who needed it..
The family would like to extend our sincerest "Thank you" to each for his care over the last five years: Dr. Monica Crane with the Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation, Alzheimer's Tennessee, Parkwest Hospital, and Covenant Hospice.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Click Funeral Home, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville from Noon to 2 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service with Pastor Dave Strickler of Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, officiating.
The family is inviting everyone attending to truly celebrate and honor his life by wearing orange and white (he loved his VOLS), or purple for Alzhiemer's or beach theme because Tommy Bahama was his favorite.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of the following: Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation, Alzheimer's Tennessee, or Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.