Dewyne Douglass

Mr. Colen “Dewyne” Douglass, age 86, passed away on August 26, 2026, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was born on December 13, 1939, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida and resided in Walton County all his life.

Mr. Douglass graduated from Walton High School in 1959 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Wilkerson, the same year. He was employed by the Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative for 37 years until his retirement and later served on the Board of Trustees. Though he served in many roles throughout his career at CHELCO, he most cherished the years he was a lineman. He was elected to the Walton County School Board and served for twelve years. A Presbyterian by faith, Mr. Douglass was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he previously served as a Deacon. Dewyne’s greatest joy was being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, including his wonderful siblings and many nieces and nephews. He loved camping, fishing, working in his garden and watching college basketball and football.

Mr. Douglass was preceded in death by his father and mother, Colen and Alberta Douglass; his brother Angus Douglass and sister Mary Virginia “Jean” Locke. He was also preceded by beloved brothers-in-law Dwain Laird, Ted Locke and Lyndell Davis.

Mr. Douglass is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Shirley Wilkerson Douglass of Glendale, Florida; his daughters Tammy Smith and husband Tim of Freeport, Florida, and Tonya Shays and husband Charlie of Alachua, Florida; his grandchildren Logan Smith and wife Meredith, Mason Smith and girlfriend Jaclyn Celestini, Madison Shays and Katie Shays, and his great granddaughter Parker Smith. Mr. Douglass is also survived by his sisters, Mary Laird and Florasteen Davis of DeFuniak Springs, and many cherished nieces and nephews

A Funeral Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs, Florida at 2:00 pm on August 31, 2026, with Reverand Cathy Mooney officiating. Burial will follow at Euchee Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Dewyne’s nephews, Ralph and Everette Laird, Mike and Mark Davis, and Randy and Andy Wilkerson

The family would like to express our gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the loving and professional care they provided Dewyne over the past several weeks. We also would like to express thanks to Keaton McDonald and McDonald Family Funeral Home staff for their care and kindness. Flowers are being accepted.