Obituary of Donald Ray Douglas

Donald Ray Douglas, age 90, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2022.

Donald was born July 17, 1932, to the late Henry Ray and Loma Edna Douglas in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he lived his entire life. He was a graduate of Central High School and went on to work for Folger Buick where he was an automotive mechanic for over 62 years. He believed in hard work and integrity with anything he did, with those beliefs bringing him the joy of a tremendous following of repeat customers. He was a master with his work but also with people, possessing a rare intuition to know how to talk to them.

Known by many names, Red, Don, Donald, Dad, PawPaw, Mr. Goodwrench, Mr. Fix-It, and Big Daddy Don, he wore many hats and enjoyed them all. In addition to his love of working on automobiles, he also enjoyed auto-racing, his tractors, yard work, his family, helping others, and morning breakfast gatherings with friends at local eateries.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Louise Graham Douglas; a son, Ray Douglas (Kathie) of Charlotte; a daughter, Donna Hughes (John) of Charlotte; four granddaughters, Reynolds Barbee (Anthony), Raygan Douglas, Dawn Rudisill (Patrick), Jessie Hughes; one grandson, Joshua Morton; five great-grandsons, Liam, Silas and Avett Barbee, Tyler and Logan Rudisill; a sister, Louise Younts; and many more loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by brother Merle Gordon, and sisters Barbara Joyner and Mary Todd.

The family will receive friends from 1pm to 2pm on Friday, September 9, 2022, at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. A celebration of life service will be held at 2pm at the funeral home chapel with interment following at Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.