Douglas M. Willey died Sunday evening, April 22, 2018 at Integrace Bayleigh Chase with his family at his side. He had suffered with Alzhiemers for many years.
He was born on Maple Dam Road on August 17, 1943, the son of the late George Willey and Nellie Bramble Willey. Raised and educated in Dorchester County, he became a journeyman machinist apprentice.
On July 3, 1965, he married Brenda (Teeny) Elzey and they had a successful 53 years of marriage.
For many years, Doug worked for Nelson Jones Machine Shop in Cambridge as a Master Machinist. Doug's true passion was being an Entrepreneur which drove him to many businesses.
In 1978, his love of farming brought him and Teeny to their farm, Hawk Haven located in Hawkeye, Md., where they raised their two daughters along with chickens and crops. Having grown chickens for Perdue Farms for 38 years, they were honored with "Growers of the Year" and many other awards.
Doug was a bus contractor up until his death, serving as President of the School Bus Contractors Association of Dorchester County for a number of years. Many children from the Elliotts Island, Vienna and Linkwood area fondly remember him as Mr. Doug.
Doug was also a lifetime member of the Cambridge Elks 1272. He was a trustee and a manager at the club for several years. Other memberships included the American Legion and the VFW.
Doug's family were very active in 4-H at one time, being named 4-H Family of the Year. During this time Doug served as manager of Camp Thendara.
Doug's survivors include his wife, Teeny; and two daughters, Kimberly Dawn (Rick) Hall of East New Market and Kellie Denise (Matt) Saulsbury of Oxford; five grandchildren, Kenton D. Hall, Kylan D. Hall, C. Dominick Wright, Regan C. Hall and Olivia G. Robinson; and a brother, Thomas B. Willey.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Robinson; and a brother, George W. Willey.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Dorchester Memorial Park. Rev. Douglas M. Ridley officiated. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1850 York Road, Ste. D, Timonium, MD 21093. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.