Tribute

Gilbert Franklin Douglas, Jr., M.D., F.S.A (SCOT) was born May 7, 1916, in Meridian.
Mississippi, the son of the late Gilbert F. Douglas, Sr. and the late Mary Rachel Griffin
Douglas.He graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 1936 and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1940, and did his internship and residency in internal medicine at Hilima
Hospital in Birmingham. Answering his country's call, Dr. Douglas joined the United States
Navy Medical Corps. After serving in a hospital and a minesweeper squadron, his final tour
of duty was spent aboard the USS Columbus (CA74) in the Pacific Theater. Sarah Amanda
Phillips and Dr. Douglas were married in 1946. He spent two years in Boston, MA as a
research fellow and medical resident at the Joseph Pratt Diagnostic Hospital. Dr. Douglas practiced internal medicine in Birmingham and Vestavia Hills for over 50 years. He served
on the medical staffs of South Highland (now Health South), Brookwood Medical Center,
and UAB.

Dr. Douglas was a man who loved God, family and country and was instrumental in
establishing Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church (where he served as an elder), Christian
Heritage School, and Heritage Academy in Vestavia Hills. Dr. Gilbert co-founded the Clan Douglas Society of North America, serving as Secretary and Archivist for 20 years; he was also active with the St. Andrew's Society of the Middle South, the Caledonian Society of Alabama, and Heritage Pipes and Drums (he played the snare drum). In recognition of his contributions in preserving Scottish heritage, he was honored with the title of Fellow of Scottish Antiquaries.
Dr. Douglas was a true American patriot who sought to restore America to her Christian
foundation. He was an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police and founded the
Support Your Local Police Co~ittee of Birmingham. He was a member of the Freedoms
Foundation of Valley Forge and received the organization's Congress of Freedom Award in
1970. Dr. Douglas earned his Eagle Rank in 1934 and established Boy Scout Troop l05. He
helped found the Heart of Dixie Railway Historical Society.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sarah Amanda Phillips Douglas; two sons,
Gilbert Franklin Douglas, III (Cynthia), Herbert Wesley Douglas (Flora "Tad"); four
daughters, Sarah Elizabeth Douglas Martin (Daniel), Mary Amanda Douglas Owings, Alma
Helen Douglas Gaudette (Peter), Dorothy Frances Douglas Taft (James).

He is survived by nineteen grandchildren: Paul Joseph Owings, Rachel Elizabeth Owings,
Wesley Crosby Douglas, Gilbert Franklin Douglas, IV, Sarah Amanda Martin, Phillip Edwin
Douglas, Douglas Colwell Owings, James Dennis Nettles Douglas, William Gray Douglas,
Robert Daniel Martin, Rosemary Amanda Douglas, Douglas Lamon Martin, John Herbert
Cornelius Douglas, Daniel Carmichael Douglas, Heather Elizabeth Martin, Samuel Lessley
Ardis Douglas, Laura Elizabeth Douglas, Stephen James Gaudette and Andrew Winston
Gaudette;

One great granddaughter, Taylor Nicole Owings.

Dr. Douglas is also survived by two sisters, Lillian Douglas Berg and Sarah Frances Douglas,
and two brothers, George Capers Douglas and William Wesley Douglas.

Dr. Douglas was ushered into the presence of his Heavenly Father at 4 PM, February 28,
2002. Contributions in his memory will be graciously accepted by: Reformed Heritage
Presbyterian, 1401 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills, AL 35216; or Scholarship Fund, Clan
Douglas Society of N. A., Suite 209, 701 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills, AL 35216.

The Douglas family is thankful for your many expressions of kindness and support.
                                                    May God bless you all.

                                  GILBERT F. DOUGLAS, JR. MD   1916 - 2002

In the presence of God, Clan Douglas would like to give thanks for the life of Gilbert F. Douglas, Jr. All of us have been touched by his life of love and service.

With deep gratitude we remember his humor and contentment in family life, the smile that lit his face and the gentle way he dealt with his fellow man. Dr. Douglas was a friend to all. We remember his devotion to Sally and the strength they found together. Their home was full of laughter, love, celebration, and was always open to both friends and strangers.

He served his country, his family and Clan Douglas without thought of personal gain.

Gilbert was born in May, 1916, the son of a medical doctor who had served in France in World War I. He was a boy scout and scout leadership was a primary activity with him even through college. He earned a BS degree from Birmingham-Southern College and an MD from Vanderbilt Medical School. He spent two and one half years as a Navy doctor in World War II, first attached to minesweepers and then to a new heavy cruiser, USS Columbus.

He met Sally in NY City during World War II.   She was studying at Juilliard to be a concert piano accompaniest and was from Birmingham also.   When he was released from the Navy they were married. Several years later, after the birth of their first child, a son, they realized that their roots were in the South and returned to Birmingham, AL where he had his own medical practice for over 50 years in the field of general Internal Medicine.

Dr. Douglas co-founded Clan Douglas Society of North America in 1975 and served as Secretary and Archivist for over 25 years. He was the mentor to many members of this Society. Because of his leadership, devotion, dedication and many contributions in preserving our Scottish heritage, Clan Douglas Society has grown into one of the strongest and most active clan societies.

He was instrumental in establishing Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church (where he served as an elder), Christian Heritage School and Heritage Academy in Birmingham.   He was active in the St. Andrews Society, the Caledonian Society of Alabama and Heritage Pipes and Drums (he played the snare drum). He was honored with the title
MD FSA Scot by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He was an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police and founded the Support Your Local Police Committee of Birmingham. He was a member of the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge and received the organizations Congress of Freedom Award in 1970. Dr. Douglas earned his Eagle Rank in 1934 and established Boy Scout Troop 105. He helped found the Heart of Dixie Railway Historical Society.

Dr. Douglas is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sally, by sons Gilbert III (Cynthia), Herbert (Flora “Tad”), Elizabeth (Daniel), Amanda, Alma (Peter), Dorothy (James) and nineteen grandchildren.

We thank thee, Lord, for the example of this life lived in honor and faith.

                                                         T. George Douglas