Former Robertson EMA Dir R.L. Douglas Dies, He Was 72

Former Robertson EMA Dir R.L. Douglas Dies, He Was 72

Former Robertson EMA Director R.L. Douglas Dies, He Was 72

UPDATED..

ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Smokey Barn News has confirmed that RL Douglas, former Robertson County Emergency Management Agency Director, has died, he was 72.

Douglas died unexpectedly late Saturday after a brief illness his family said in a statement. Douglas’ family is still coming to grips with his passing but plans to announce service information in a day or so.

“The death of my friend R.L. Douglas marks the end of an era in our community. R.L. was the director of Emergency Management for more than 25 years. He was the personification of dedication and commitment to one’s work. He handled countless emergencies during his tenure. He was always on call subject to being called out at all hours. But he always responded with a spirit of alacrity and enthusiasm. In my tenure as mayor, I called on him on almost a daily basis. He never failed me and he never failed the people of Robertson County. I will truly miss him.” Former Robertson County Mayor Howard Bradley

RL Douglas (LEFT) following a chemical spill at Greenbrier High School
RL Douglas (LEFT) following a chemical spill at Greenbrier High School

From suspicious packages to gas spills, chemical spills rollover crashes and Governor Inaugurations, RL Douglas has been the go-to man for many years in Robertson County. When it came to anything with the potential to harm citizens, RL Douglas always knew what to do.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with RL, we worked together side by side for many years.  He was a colleague and a friend. I will carry a part of him with me every day.” Chance Holmes Robertson County Emergency Management Director

RL had accumulated so many awards and training certificates over the years that the wall in his office was covered floor to ceiling with them. It was a reflection of a lifetime of service, dedication, and pride in a career he truly enjoyed. RL retired in 2019.

The staff at Smokey Barn News will always hold fond memories of RL’s professionalism and friendship. He will truly be missed and our sincere thoughts and prayers will be with his family as they face the days ahead.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, March 23rd at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Howard Bradley officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery with Josh Wright, Kirt Brinkley, Darin Moore, Rodney Hoover, Jeremy Liggit, Beau Morris, Wade McCarroll, and Don Horton serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Tina Sorrells, Jim Ball, and R.L.’s former co-workers. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

RL’s online obituary…

L-R Former Springfield Mayor Billy Paul Carneal, former Robertson County Sheriff Bill Holt, former Robertson County Mayor Howard Bradley and Robertson County EMA Director R.L Douglas
Maury County EMA Team Leader, Clint Derryberry & R.C. EMA Dir R.L. Douglas
RL directs activities at an ACID spill at the Robertson County office building located at 507 South Brown Street in Springfield.
Pictured in above photo. Front Row L-R: RL Douglass Emergency Management Agency, Jody Stewart Finance Director, Cathy Hamsley Administrator of Elections, Rosemary Phillips Clerk & Master, Bill Holt Sheriff. Back Row L-R: Howard Bradley Mayor, Chris Traughber Assessor of property, Mike Davis Director of Schools, Joe Fort Director of Maintenance.

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