Terry Dwain Douglas' Obituary
Terry Douglas, 79, of Goodlettsville, passed away on July 30, 2024, after a battle with
cancer.
Terry was born to Floyd Douglas and Emma Sue Stewart Douglas on February 22, 1945, in Murfreesboro, but would later live most of his young life in East Nashville – a place that would always be home to him no matter where he lived. He would go on to graduate from East High School in 1963, making life-long friends in the process. He realized his ambition to teach and coach by graduating from Middle Tennessee State University where he would study science and education. After also achieving his Master’s Degree from MTSU, he began a 45-year education career at Ewing Park Junior High in 1968. He would go on to teach and coach at his alma mater of East in 1975. In 1982, he moved to McGavock, again teaching chemistry and coaching, fielding a number of highly competitive teams and being selected District Coach of the Year three times in basketball and once for golf. In 1996 he would retire from Metro Nashville schools and start at Portland High, where he would teach chemistry and physics for 18 years before retiring in 2013.
Terry met his wife, Sandra Sullins, on a blind date at the Christmas of 1964, and they were wed in 1968, the beginning of a 56-year marriage. Sandra would become a computer programmer for the state, then HCA, and an IT VP for Southern Benefit Administrators. They settled in Goodlettsville in 1973, living there throughout their marriage. They had two children, Brian Douglas (1974) and Rachel Douglas (1982). Brian and his wife, Christy, would have Terry’s only grandchild, Mary Kate Douglas, in 2001.
It might be easier to list the hobbies Terry didn’t enjoy, but his many past times included golf, weightlifting, snow skiing, fishing and boating, car restoration, and collecting Native American artifacts, coins and stamps. By far his greatest passion was Vanderbilt athletics, and he held season tickets to football and basketball for more than 40 years. Terry was a strong Christian, attending Riverside Drive Church of Christ and Kemper Heights Church of Christ for most of his life.
Terry is survived by three loving sisters, Sherry Prince, Deborah Chrisman, and Susan Starr.
The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on Monday, August 5, 2024, from twelve o'clock noon until the time of the funeral service at two o'clock in the afternoon at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road in Nashville. The committal service will immediately follow.
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?
