WINNSBORO – Leslie Bell Douglas died at his home in the care of Abbey Road Hospice on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 after a hard fought battle with lung cancer. Born on July 24, 1924, he was the second born child of Mary Lee Bell Douglas and Harold Douglas Sr. Mr. Douglas was married to Bernice Mattox Douglas and upon her death, later married Lillie Mae Driggers Douglas who died in 1983.
Leslie served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and spent most of his military time off the coast of Africa. He was a life-long member of New Hope ARP Church where he served as Elder, a position that he honored for his church family. Leslie recently received his 50 year pin as a member of The Shriners. He was well-known for his home construction company. Leslie’s thumbprints are all over Fairfield County with the many homes he built. He took great pride in delivering a quality home and doing it the right way. It has to be noted that one of his best joys was the outdoors and especially his land in Douglass. Along with family and friends; Larry (his dog) and the wildlife in Douglass will miss him greatly.
Leslie’s surviving family members include two sisters: Maryann Hay (Bill) of Houston, Texas, and Evelyn Long (Ray) of Columbia, S.C.; three brothers: Marion (Peach) Douglass of Belvedere, S.C., Wallace (Jean) Douglas of Spartanburg, S.C., and Tommy (Carole) Douglas of Winnsboro, S.C. Leslie had two siblings who preceded him in death: Harold Douglas Jr. and Sarah Wells.
Additional surviving members include six grandchildren: Andy (Jill) Douglas of Lugoff, S.C., Scott (Susan) Douglas of Winnsboro, S.C., Kevin (Amy) Douglas of Lexington, S.C., Brad (Dawn) Douglas, Jarrett (Kelly) Douglas and Price Douglas of Winnsboro, S.C. One grandchild, Rodney, died during childhood. There are 11 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Leslie and Bernice had four sons who all preceded Leslie in death: Dolphus (Doc), Bernie, Jerry and Ricky Douglas. Leslie made it clear to include Ray Matthews as his closest friend. Ray and his family were like Leslie’s own children and were there whenever he needed them. Other surviving family includes a daughter-in-law, Representative MaryGail Douglas.
Memorial services were conducted by the Rev. Mark Chapman on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Winnsboro with visitation following at the church. Memorials may be gifted to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 59, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180 or to the Winnsboro Lions Club, 337 Arrowood Dr., Winnsboro, S.C. 29180.
Pope Funeral Home is serving the Douglas family.
Online condolences may be sent to the Douglas family at www.popefuneralhomesc.com.
