Dr. Douglas Harry Winters

Dr. Douglas Harry Winters

May 15, 1939-August 11, 2021

Dr. Winters was born to Weldon and Estelle Winters in Gainesville, Georgia and was the youngest of six children.  He grew up in New Holland village, graduated from Riverbend High School, and attended Truett McConnell followed by Valdosta College to obtain his degree in education to teach high school history.  He earned a sports scholarship to attend these colleges and played basketball and other sports where some of the records he set in basketball at Valdosta in the 1950’s-60’s remains at the top of their standings.  He went on to earn his master’s degree, specialist, and PhD in Education.

Married to Janice Young Winters in July of 1963, they recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.  Survived by his wife and immediate family, they have one daughter, Lori Winters Sweet, son in law Tom Sweet, and two grandchildren - Thomas Sweet and Andrew Douglas Sweet.  His sister, Mildred Winters, is the last surviving sibling and has many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends that loved him dearly. 

Dr. Winters was a 50-year educator and started his career at North Hall High School as a history teacher and coach.  After obtaining his masters, he became Chestnut Mountain Elementary Principal followed by Oakwood Elementary Principal, East Hall High Principal, Hall County’s Vocational Director, and then was appointed Superintendent of Hall County Schools in the 1980s. He wrapped up his full-time career as Vice President of Lanier Tech, and upon retirement became an adjunct professor with Brenau University where he taught education classes and mentored over 100 student teachers in the 15+ years he was with them.

He was the pillar of his family and a valued member of the community for many years while living in Gainesville.  After a short illness this summer with a rare liver cancer, he is resting peacefully with his family and friends that welcomed him into heaven.

His celebration of life will be held on Sunday August 15, 2021 in Memorial Park Cemetery as a Graveside service at 2:00 p.m., 2030 Memorial Park Road Gainesville, Ga 30504.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Eagle Ranch, 5500 Union Church Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 or online at www.eagleranch.org.  This was a group he supported from it’s beginning to benefit children.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. 

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.