Douglas Willets, 86, was born on July 4,1937 in Tampa, Florida. He was a lifelong resident of Tampa. Douglas attended Seminole Elementary, Memorial Junior High, and Hillsborough High School, Class of 1956. He died in Tampa on April 14, 2024, surrounded by his family who loved him immensely.
Douglas served in the U.S. Marine Corp after graduation. While stationed in Jacksonville he met and married Elizabeth (Betty) Weaver. Upon completion of service, he moved his family to Tampa. He worked at Tampa Armature for the next 6 years, then worked for GTE/Verizon for 27 years as a supervisor until his retirement.
Douglas personified the Marine motto “Semper Fi”. He was always faithful and loyal to his friends and family. Family first was how he lived. He modeled this for us every day. For example, when he gave up his home and retirement to move to his childhood home to care for his mother and brother. He would have climbed the highest mountain and swam the largest ocean for his family. He was a great listener, caregiver, adviser, debater, teaser and hard worker. He enjoyed working with his Ham radios and attending Ham conventions. He also took great pride in his yard, constantly working to keep it beautiful.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Walker and Velma Willets and his brother, David Willets.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; his two daughters, Linda (Daniel) Sheppard and Lori (Jim) Hamm; six grandchildren: Danielle (Rob) Sanchez, Alisa (Tyler) Ragghianti, Jessica Hodson, Ryan (Dayna) Sheppard, Jesse Hamm, and Kristina Sheppard and eleven great-grandchildren: Savannah, Carter, Olivia, Emma, Mason, Lukas, Jacob, Leah, Scarlett, Cayson, and an arrival in August.
A memorial service for Douglas will take place at Southern Funeral Care in Riverview, FL, on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 2 PM with family receiving friends one hour prior. Jeans are welcomed as that’s what he wore.
In lieu of flowers, Douglas would like you to donate to LifePath Hospice or your charity of choice.
Previous Events
Visitation
6
May
10510 Riverview Dr.
Riverview, FL 33578
Memorial Service
6
May
10510 Riverview Dr.
Riverview, FL 33578
