Birth date: Feb 26, 1938 Death date: Sep 29, 2021
D W "Doug" Haynes of Gainesville, Florida passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at the age of 83 after a short battle with cancer. He was born on February 26, 1938, in Sumiton Town, AL, as the youn Read Obituary
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Doug;
Son of a wood-pulper and coal-miner,
Doug was used to fierce, hard work; with a song to make it finer.
For the family's wage, at a young age,
He was dragging trees down an Alabama mountain
behind stubborn mules.
His lessons, from the knowledge of old-school,
were his essential tools.
Butting heads with his dad, he left Alabama at 14,
Came back and left again, and at about 19
He found Erma Jean.
In the shadow of the Suwannee River,
Doug was working at Winn Dixie in produce,
And slowly Started his plan to seduce
With romance unplanned,
He came up to a sweet little cashier with a frog in hand!
and a courtship ensued lasting near 57 years
Amongst all the cheers,
They Started with a Wedding Day meal of Swamp Cabbage as a spouce
At his new cousin Ailein's house
All sort of trouble await, when fate,
Caused you to be born with a love of music and a killer voice
You run into pepper socks! And go where you can sing, given the choice.
And oh the stories! Doug always loved a good story.
Who knew his youth was fast becoming Florida history
Amongst all the joy,
Erma affectionally called him, Buddy-Boy.
Doug spent time; Squirrel Hunting, Quail Hunting,
And even tried his luck with Pa Driggers, as a Tobacco growing man.
But the crop failed; the rain would not go according to plan.
In one of his escapades, he was eluding the po-lice
In a high speed chase;
He had JUST won that race
When they pulled into Ma and Pa's House on Parker Lane.
They were well hid, when ma opened the door, and to their distain-
It was Cathy & Jimmy that had been chasing them!
Yet another story where laughter became a gem.
Doug loved his family and through the years, he showed
How life was fully lived down a long country road.
With Erma, his love of family and humor, he'd take them all off to camp;
Life seemed best, viewed from a campsite's lamp.
Lessons were learned, children grew up, but you could always count
on Doug's love, by all accounts.
He maintained roads aplenty on his tractor
And in his life, the love of God was always a factor
Doug has always had a love to last a lifetime, proving his worth
As he became the "Salt of The Earth".
Brave enough to enter the family of 'Driggers'
The legend of Doug just grew bigger.
As Erma became safe in the arms of Jesus,
Doug was brave enough, and blessed enough,
to embrace a new love, Barbara.
New memories, new poems ensue...to be continued...
-ekdh Driggers
You were always one of my favorites to run into at Cedar River. My Mama (Effie Foster) sure liked to hear you sing. We are going to miss your smile and hugs. Prayers for comfort and peace for your family. Rest easy our friend and we will meet you at the gate!
Every time I saw Doug, he had a big smile and a great big hug for me. I sure will miss those things from him. Barbara, so sorry for your loss; he was a gentle soul and I know you will miss him greatly. Love you, Rita and John Potter
My Beautiful Uncle Doug until
We see each other again 💕❤️
You will always be with me in your Holy Spirit your loving legacy will carry on through our loving families as you have so taught us all.
Rest in our Heavenly Paradise
