William Randolph Douglas

Captain William Randolph Douglas, 71, of Chesapeake, Virginia was peacefully called Home with Jesus on October 19, 2025. William was born on October 17, 1954 at his family's home in White Stone, Virginia.
William leaves an indelible impact on those who called him Dad, Papa, Grandpa Willy, son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, colleague, and Captain. William exuded kindness, grace, and generosity to all who knew him. He was a man whose hobbies of painting, fishing, gardening, and boating truly defined him. His great love of playing guitar is a gift he shared often with his loved ones and will continue to live on through the many friends and family he taught along the way.
Captain Douglas had an adventurous and successful maritime career on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. At the young age of 14, he began summer work on his family's tugboats as a mate and quickly worked his way to being Captain with Bay Towing. He broadened his career with McAllister Towing Company in many roles including Consultant, Tow Master, Pilot, General Manager, and Vice President of Sales. During his time with McAllister, he collaborated with an experienced team to spear head Independent Docking Pilots Incorporated where he served as President and worked closely with dear friends braving the waves and steering ships safely into the harbor. Captain Douglas was a long-time member of the Norfolk Propeller Club and the Virginia Maritime Association, a true master on the water.
William is preceded in death by his father, Augustus Randolph Douglas, Jr. and his brother, Wayne Randolph Douglas. He is survived by his children Emily Baker, and her husband Brent, Kevin Douglas, and his wife Bris, Haley Aloia, and her husband Vinny; his grandchildren Cole, Emma, Kaleb, Amanda, Walker, Gus, Channing, Otis, and Arthur; his dear mother, Sara Robbins Douglas; his fiancé, Michelle Edwards; his brothers Charles Keith Douglas and Robin Lee Douglas; and countless friends and extended family who will miss him deeply.
Funeral services will be held at White Stone Methodist Church in White Stone, Virginia on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, his family is certain that William would want you to stop by and see an old friend, buy a stranger a coffee, take your grandson fishing, just give your time and grace to someone.
We will miss our Dad, Papa, Grandpa Willy, son, uncle, brother, nephew, and friend but we rest in knowing that being absent from our earthly body is to be present with our Lord. William lived his life here forgiven, to God be the glory!