1938 – 2014

LISBON — Gerald “Jerry” Douglass, 75, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 18, while at home with his wife of 47 years, Linda.

He was born in Lewiston on Aug. 10, 1938, the son of Grace (Chapman) and Otis Douglass. Jerry was in the Class of 1957 at Edward Little High School. Jerry also went to school for aviation electronics, fixed wing and rotary flight, flight instructor, test pilot and test pilot instructor, as well as earning his associate degree in liberal arts and bachelor’s degree in history from St. Leo College in Norfolk, Va.

In 1956, he joined the U.S. armed forces and served in the Marine Reserve, as well as in the Marines as an aviation electronics technician, in the Navy as a pilot and in the Army as a pilot, test pilot, test pilot instructor (both fixed wing and rotary wing), gun pilot and gunnery pilot instructor for rotary wing, a combat tour in Vietnam, helicopter and aircraft commander, a second combat tour in Vietnam and an OV-1 Mohawk Reconnaissance pilot. He finished his military career in November 1975 as a CW2.

Jerry earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters and Senior Army Aviator Badge.

On Dec. 26, 1966, he married the love of his life, Linda Murphy, of North Jay. Upon his return from the military, Jerry worked as an industrial engineer and assistant plant manager in the shoe factory industry. He also worked as an insurance agent, owned and operated a small restaurant in Lewiston, owned and operated Swan Lake Estates Mobile Home Park, and was the owner and president of JD Modular Homes and The Modular Advantage. For the past 37 years, he owned and operated Jerry Douglass Realty, as well as owned and managed Commercial and Residential Investment Properties.

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Jerry became well-known throughout the state for his honesty, integrity and humor. He treated each client as a friend. Even though his years of service were behind him, he still remained active in the community. He was involved with the local Board of Realtors, Auburn Exchange Club events, the CMMC Associates, Charity Helicopter Drops and the Good Shepherd Food-Bank. Close to his heart was volunteering at Trail Monster Races held at Bradbury Mountain, dedicated in memory of his late son, Christopher Douglass.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with both fellow pilots and OV-1 Mohawk pilots. He recently celebrated his 50th reunion of graduating from flight school. He was always up for a cribbage game and enjoyed taking his many friends out to lunch or even a flight to see Mount Washington. Jerry has truly been a smiling face to many. Always giving of his time and inspiring people he knew. Above all, Jerry encouraged and cherished time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Douglass, of Lisbon; his daughter, Bethany Douglass and her companion, Benjamin Firth, of Sabattus; two sons, Gerald “Jerry” Douglass Jr. and his wife, Annette, of Mechanic Falls and Dennis Douglass and his wife, Jody, of Lisbon; his sister, Gloria Richard and her husband, Al, of Leeds; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

He was predeceased by his parents; his son, Christopher Douglass; and his brother, Oscar Douglass.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.


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