Douglas Haywood Henley

Douglas Haywood Henley, Sr. "Respect others; work hard to reach your goals." This was the motto by which Douglas Haywood Henley, Sr. lived, a man whose dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to service touched countless lives. He passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, joining his beloved parents, Haywood and Carmen Henley, and his brother, Vincent, in eternal rest. Born on March 4, 1947, in Stamford, Connecticut, Douglas was the cherished firstborn of his family. His formative years in Stamford shaped him into a resourceful and skilled individual. He graduated from J.M. Wright Technical High School in 1965, where he nurtured a passion for hands-on work and problem-solving. This innate creativity manifested in his lifelong love of tinkering and repairing, particularly with electronics, a skill that brought him and those around him much practical benefit. Douglas' commitment to his community was profound. He was a respected and impactful baseball coach, a co-founder of the Jackie Robinson Little League, mentoring countless young athletes and instilling in them the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. His dedication to public service was further exemplified by his pioneering role as one of the first African Americans to join the Stamford Fire Department on August 25, 1975. Throughout his distinguished 27-year career with the Stamford Fire Department, Douglas served with courage and integrity, rising to the rank of Lieutenant, assigned to the Mechanics Division as Assistant Mechanic Supervisor. He was specially trained as an EMT, and his commitment to the safety and well-being of others was unwavering. Notably, at a department award ceremony in the fall of 1994, Douglas was honored for rescuing a child from a burning building on December 13, 1993, and in that same year, he received an EMS award, highlighting his exceptional bravery and skill. He retired honorably on August 28, 2002. Following his retirement, he embraced a new chapter of his life, relocating to Augusta, Georgia, where he enjoyed a more tranquil pace. Douglas was a man of diverse interests, enjoying football and basketball, especially his beloved Jets and Knicks. He appreciated informative television, savored soul food, and favored the color burgundy. Douglas leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruby Crear Henley of Augusta, GA, with whom he shared many cherished years. His memory will be forever treasured by his son, Douglas H. Henley, II (Yvette) of Winter Garden, FL, and his daughter, Theresa D. Cobb of Stamford, CT. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Sahara and Arabia Henley, Hayvin (Nathan) Miller, and Jostin Cobb, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Roberson of Lawrenceville, GA, and Licia “Moochie” Kendall of Stamford, CT, and his sister-in-law, Elaine Henley of Hamden, CT, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will remember him for his kindness, his ingenuity, and his unwavering spirit. Douglas Haywood Henley, Sr.’s life was a testament to his dedication to family, community, and service. His impact will continue to be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him A Memorial will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Fairhaven Funeral Home, 3507 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, GA 30909.