Douglas Proffitt

Douglas Proffitt, age 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025. He was born in Esserville, Virgina, the son of the late Carl and Bertie Smith Proffitt. 

Doug was salutatorian of his graduating class at Wise High School. After graduating, he proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving part of his service in Korea during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he returned to Wise, Virginia. 

While out with his brother, Ken, Douglas met the love of his life, Ruby Dobbs. They married a short time after and he went to work at Hawthorne Coke and Mining Company. In 1962, he moved his family to Kingsport and started working at Mead Paper Company, where he worked until his retirement. He always enjoyed faithfully attending services at Gravelly Baptist Church until he could no longer drive himself. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; his parents, Carl and Bertie Smith Proffitt; and brothers, Don Proffitt (Dorothy) and Ken Proffitt (Loretta).

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Blair (Keith); son, Douglas Proffitt (Kathy); grandchildren, Ray Blair (Amy), Melinda Wilcox (Justin), Matthew Proffitt; great-grandchildren, Travis Blair (Keyli), Aaron Blair, Ava and Drake Wilcox, Austin, Reid and Nora Proffitt; great-great-grandson, Cohen Blair; brother, John Proffitt (Margie); and several nieces and nephews. 

Our family wishes to thank Gravelly Baptist Church for all the visits, calls and cards. We also want to thank Preston Place Suites, Holston Manor and Gentiva Hospice for the care they gave to daddy. 

The family will receive friends from 12pm – 1pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A service will take place at 1pm with Bro. David Salley and Bro. Wayne Baker officiating. 

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Military Rites presented by The American Legion Post 3/265. 

Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.