Robert Douglas Hazen's Obituary
Robert Douglas Hazen, 91, passed peacefully March 2, 2017 at Oak Hammock at The University of Florida. Doug was born August 13, 1925 in Avon Park, Florida, the oldest child of Fred Hazen and Willie Mae Oliver Hazen.
He spent his formative years in the small town of Brooker, Florida, enrolled at The University of Florida at age 16, then left to join the Army Air Corp in 1943 where he served as a Pilot and 2nd Lieutenant during WW II. He graduated UF in 1948 with High Honors in Mechanical Engineering.
In 1951, he married his wife of almost 62 years Marjorie King of Dunnellon, Florida and moved shortly thereafter to Coral Gables, Florida where he started the Hazen-Trane business in South Florida. The business grew significantly during his 35 years of ownership. In 1984, he was awarded The Trane Company’s prestigious President’s Cup for the best Sales and Service Organization nationally.
He and his wife Marge were active in their community with both their time and money. He served on the Board of Miami-Dade Goodwill Industries, Miami-Dade Salvation Army, Riverside Christian Ministries and Candler School of Theology. Other significant philanthropies included Habitat for Humanity and Bethune-Cookman College.
Marge and Doug were active members of Coral Gables First United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Administrative Board. He was also Board Chair of Miami’s Methodist Retirement Facility - Epworth Village and Wesley Health Center. He also co-founded United Methodist Improved Living (UMIL) to encourage and mentor minority business contractors to build and improve low income housing.
In 1993 he and Marge returned to North Florida to be close to family. He loved his extended family, woodworking, non-fiction, Bible study and appreciated art and antiques. He and Marge shared with many their love of travel throughout the years. Their trips were well chronicled through Doug’s photography, now adorning walls from Florida to Boston.
Mr. Hazen was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie King Hazen, his sister Phyllis Voyles and her husband Vernon, as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Lamar and Bobbie King.
He is survived by his brother Charles Hazen and his wife Lydia, three children Doug Hazen Jr. and his wife Marlena, Bruce Hazen and his wife Elizabeth, Joy Hazen Walker and her husband Brad, three grandchildren Rachel, Anna and Sarah Walker, 8 nieces and nephews and 18 grand nieces and nephews.
RD, as he was known to some, will be missed by many. He was a respected leader, confidant and friend, a family man of the highest character, strong in his faith and always optimistic about the future. He appreciated those surrounding him and gave us all a high reputation to live up to. His legacy will live through all the lives he touched.
A Memorial Service will be held 2PM Saturday March 4, 2017 in The Oak Room at Oak Hammock Retirement Community 5100 SW 25th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32608 with Rev. Dan Johnson presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32653. (352)376-6615.
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