William Charles Douglas

1946 - 2026

WILLIAM CHARLES DOUGLAS

August 24, 1946 – January 15, 2026

William Charles Douglas (Bill/Butch/Doug), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born in Bakersfield on August 24, 1946, Bill's journey through life was marked by a deep commitment to family, God, and service to his community. Bill received his early education in the Edison School District and completed his high school education at East Bakersfield and Foothill High Schools. He continued his education at Bakersfield College ultimately receiving an AA degree in Criminal Justice.

In 1967, at the young age of 20, Bill was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as an Infantryman (11-B) with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fighting in the I-Corps of South Vietnam. Rising to the rank of Seargent E-5, he credited his survival during the tumultuous times of war to the bravery and skills of his foxhole buddy, David Weber, and the leadership of Cpt/Major John Pipia.

On January 2, 1968, David Weber, Bill's Vietnam combat brother, wrote a letter home about the day-long battle they had just survived. In the letter describing the opening maneuvers of the day's battle, David wrote what Bill hopes is a statement that could be said as the epithet of his life, "... Pushed on with old Doug by my side. You never had to worry about old Doug for he would always be by your side moving with you..."

After returning from military service, Bill dedicated his life to public service, joining the Kern County Sherriff's Department in 1970. Over the next eleven years, he rose through the ranks, achieving the position of Sergeant. He continued his commitment to law enforcement as General Manager of the Kern Law Enforcement Association from 1981 to 1988 and later was recruited to be the Employee Relations Officer for the County of Kern, a position he held until his retirement in 2008.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Georgia Douglas, and his sister Lynnda Douglas. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Geri Estell-Douglas, as well as his sons: Brian Douglas (Stacy), Aaron Stringer, and Matthew Douglas. He was a proud grandfather to Riley and Sydney Douglas. Bill is also survived by his sisters, Wanda Coffey and Sandra Bryant.

A celebration of Bill's life will include honorary pall bearers and dear friends: Jerry Cook, Randy Brecher, Rob Dalrymple, Eric Barthel, Elissa Ladd, and John Cove.

The family wishes to thank Hoffmann Hospice and their compassionate staff for providing comfort, dignity, and exceptional care to Bill.

The Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at Hillcrest Memorial, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations, in Bills honor, to Determine Truth Ministries (determinetruth.com), an organization that Bill served. His legacy of service, love and dedication will forever be remembered by all who knew him.

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