Douglas Higley, 84

Douglas Harold Higley of Cumming, Ga., passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. 

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Higley and Fern (England) Higley; and six of his siblings, Henry Jr., DeRoy, LaNeta, Jay, Beth and Ann. 

Doug leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife and best friend, Darlene; daughter Dawn (Todd) Berg and their sons, Jordan (Yeyun) and Jackson; daughter Denise (Bill) Jobb and her children, Danielle (Lindsie Wilson) and Nathan (Emily) Cysewski; son Darrell (Carol) Higley and their children, Amanda and Joey; along with his four great-grandchildren, Elle, Crew, Asher and Luca. In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Marilyn Horner and Myrna Hadlock; his aunt, Ruth Summers; and many nieces and nephews. Doug was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and will be missed by family and friends.

Doug was born in Ogden, Utah, on Aug. 18, 1939. He joined the United States Air Force in 1956. As an aircraft mechanic, he was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, and was able to provide service in Guam, Alaska and England. After his years in the service (1956-1962), he moved back to his beloved North Idaho and met his lifelong sweetheart, Darlene Harbison, and they settled in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, where they raised their family. After the ownership of a successful Standard Oil/Chevron station in Coeur d’Alene, he worked for 25 years operating heavy equipment in Idaho, California, Oregon and Washington.

Doug’s first passion was his family. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and loved operating heavy equipment and the Blue Oval. In addition, he used his creativity to build things like a barn, simple furniture and a log home for his family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memories and condolences may be left on the McDonald and Son Funeral Home website. 

A private interment will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA 30114.