Douglas R. Newhouse

Douglas R. Newhouse, 94 years of age and resident of Gainesville passed away Sunday June 27, 2021.  He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Alice B. Newhouse; daughter; Gail Balcom; grandsons, Patrick and Brian Balcom and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Doug was born March 24, 1927 in Princeton, NJ to Elisabeth and Richard Newhouse.  His father, a German immigrant, was operating a flying service at Princeton, NJ.  Doug was a toddler when his father took him flying in the family’s small airplane and learned to fly as a teenager.  In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers, Aribert, Werner, Raymond and Ted Newhouse; sisters, Doris Lester and Ruth Dolin; son, Douglas Newhouse Jr.

Doug left high school during his junior year to join the Navy during WWII and served in the Philippines.  Upon his return, he finished high school and married the love of his life, Alice Brokaw.  He attended flight school in South Florida and earned his commercial pilots’ license.

Doug was hired and flew for U.S. Airlines for two years.  He was hired by Eastern Airlines and achieved the rank of Captain in five years.  His aviation career spanned 34 years with Eastern Airlines and he often commented on this being his dream job.  He loved commercial aviation, it was his passion. 

In the 1970’s, Doug was a founding member of the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, VA.  A group of antique aircraft enthusiasts and pilots who performed in airshows simulating WWI aerial dogfights.  Doug often flew the Red Baron’s Fokker triplane versus the Sopwith Camel biplane in the reinactments. 

Doug was very active his entire life.  He enjoyed golf, traveling, crafting furniture in his workshop, flying small airplanes, and spending time with his grandsons Patrick and Brian Balcom who knew him as Opa.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held on Saturday July 10, 2021 at the Newhouse residence between the hours of 2pm-4pm.  

The family would like to thank Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice and Palliative Care for their love, care, and support.  In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations in his name to Salvation Army or Northeast Georgia Hospice. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com