Douglas Oglesby Obituary

Douglas Alan Oglesby passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 72, surrounded by love. Born in Asheboro, North Carolina, Doug spent most of his life there before charting a course to Sneads Ferry to live out a dream of being near the ocean.
Sometimes, if you're lucky, you catch lightning in a bottle. And sometimes, that bottle is a short, older guy with a wry twinkle in his eye and a laugh that could fill the room. Doug-Dougie-Doo, Dougie-Fresh, Jiggy-Paw-was that lightning for so many of us. His presence was a bolt of energy, his humor relentless, his loyalty unwavering, and his sense of adventure utterly contagious.
Doug's heart belonged eternally to Teresa Gayle Harris, the love of his life for over 20 years, who preceded him in death. In his wake, he leaves behind his daughters, Michelle Key of Asheboro and Grey Chapman of North Topsail Beach; his son-in-law, Shane Bartus; and his beloved grandchildren, Austin Key and Lauren Key, who lovingly called him Jiggy-Paw.
Lauren was the light of his life, and nothing brought Doug more joy than cheering her on at barrel races-always with pride, awe, and just the right amount of colorful commentary. But their bond went far beyond the arena. He packed her school lunches and always knew the best place to grab a milkshake. Whether they were riding around town or just hanging out, their time together was filled with laughter, stories, and love. His bond with Austin was equally deep; as roommates for several years, they spent countless late nights watching movies, trading stories, and philosophizing about life well past midnight.
He also leaves behind his niece, Katie Beth Oglesby; his "Cousin in Miami," Randy Oglesby and wife Linda; and a long list of friends who became chosen family. His brother, William Timothy Oglesby, preceded him in death in 2012.
Doug worked for over two decades as the Logistics Manager at Goodyear Tire and Rubber. Later in life, he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from High Point University-a testament to his curious mind and persistent spirit. He learned to sail in Oriental, NC, and later captained his boat with Teresa around Belews Creek in Greensboro. Together, they joined and took several classes with the United States Power Squadron.
Doug had a lifelong love of travel and adventure. In his younger years, he kayaked whitewater rivers across the Southeast-paddling the Nolichucky, Chattooga, and Nantahala among others in his black kayak. Later, he crowned himself patriarch of the "WoTC" – the Whores of the Caribbean – a tightknit crew of friends bound by natural selection and a shared love for Windjammer cruises, crystal blue Caribbean beaches, boat drinks, and late-night laughter. As he once joked, when the book of our lives is written, this chapter would be titled "WoTC: The Windjammer Years."
Doug's most faithful companion in his final years was his beloved dog and sidekick, Jetty. She was his shadow, his confidante, and his constant reminder to savor the simple joys-the quiet comfort of being side by side. She remains deeply loved and well cared for, just as he would have wanted.
Doug's life was rich in love, irreverence, and the kinds of memories that can't be captured in photographs-only in stories told. He lived life on his own terms and ended it the same way: sliding in sideways, all scuffed up and saying to himself, "Whoo! What a ride!"
A celebration of Doug's life will be held in the fall. For now, the family invites all who loved him to raise a glass, a sail, or a witty toast in his memory. If you wish to honor Doug, donations in his name can be made to the SPCA. Above all, remember him as the intelligent, hilarious, occasionally profane, always unforgettable soul who made life feel like a vacation-and showed us how to laugh our way through it.
He's somewhere on the ocean now. A place he outta be. One hand on the starboard rail. Waving back at all of us.
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Coastal Cremations of Jacksonville is serving the family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas, please visit our floral store.