James Doughty Obituary

James "Pappy" Doughty, age 89, died quietly on Sunday, July 31, 2022. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina on October 20, 1932, and was a resident of Young Harris GA for 37 years, as well as Stonehenge Senior Assisted Living, Blairsville GA in his later years. As a young man, he spent summers in the Isle of Palms, Charleston, SC, where he learned boating and fishing as well as flying with his father. He and his brothers were accomplished musicians. Pappy played the piano, accordion, and his primary instrument, the bass fiddle. His family often performed in recitals, school and social activities. He was in a band who performed on late night TV in the 1960's, then later in life in the local "Star Dusters", performing on the square in Hiawassee Georgia and for community service functions. Pappy was active in the family business, Doughty Dry Cleaners of Columbia, South Carolina. After his marriage to Cecile, he continued his Military service. They later settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, started their family, and became owners of their own Dry Cleaners. His service to his country included the Air National Guard, US Army, Army reserve, and the US Air Force reserve. His duties in radio communications led him to become, as a civilian, an Amateur Radio Operator with the call sign of K5PRE. After his retirement from RR Street Co., Pappy and Cecile moved to Young Harris, GA in 1980, and built their dream home. He was an ambassador to amateur (HAM) radio in North Georgia and established a repeater for this area. He was a member of local HAM radio clubs as a leader and mentor. For a second career, and after work, he returned to school to earn licenses for electrical and HVAC systems in both Georgia and North Carolina. He started Signal Electrical Company and worked well into his seventies. During this time, he was instrumental in starting the Towns County Homebuilders Association, contributing to the improvements of building codes and standards for the area. Pappy and Cecile joined Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church and quickly became active in the congregation. He served God and his church through countless hours of service, participation with the Methodist Men's group, sound systems, repairs, and HVAC services to name a few. He was known, no matter who he met, to extend the invitation to visit and join the church. He and Cecile were active in mission work through the NOMADS, traveling to provide service and repairs to churches in need. Pappy had a love of camping, swimming, and everything boating. Many happy times were spent with his wife and friends on Lake Chatuge. They also had a beautiful garden near Brasstown Creek, and he could often be found on his tractor, caring for the land. He was a member of the Lions Club and joined Cecile in many activities of the Blairsville Kappa Alpha chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an international sorority. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Cecile Doughty. He is survived by son, James Lee Doughty of Americus, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Doughty and Wendell Tarleton of Bowman, GA; daughter and son-in-law Marcy and Danny Hawkins of Young Harris, GA. Five grandchildren, Jason L. Hawkins, Shannon Tolliver, Brian Tolliver, Jeffrey Hawkins and wife Colleen; Cameron Doughty, and three great-grandchildren, Evelyn Rose, Aurora, and Leo. His brother Ray Doughty and wife Emma, Donald Doughty, and nieces, nephew, and other family members also survive. Pappy was a son, brother, husband, uncle, father, friend, and neighbor. He knew no strangers. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 6, at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, GA. Memorial donations may be made to Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church, the Leukemia Foundation, Georgia Mountains Hospice, Castaway Critters, or the Humane Society's Mountain Shelter. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com