Douglas Edward Atwater, Sr.

Mr. Douglas Edward Atwater, Sr., age 71, of Chapel Hill, NC entered eternal rest on Monday, March 17, 2025, at his residence.

The Obituary

Mr. Douglas Edward Atwater Sr., affectionately known as “Duck”, beloved son of Madie Lee and Willie Green Atwater Sr., was born on February 7, 1954, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
On March 17th, 2025, at his home in Pittsboro, NC, Douglas gained his wings and entered eternal rest with the Lord. From a young age, Douglas embraced Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, initiating a lifelong dedication to his faith. He became a member of St. Joseph CME Church early in life and remained a devoted member until his passing.

Douglas' journey through life began in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System, where he completed his education and graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1973. After high school, he embarked on a meaningful path, dedicating himself to nurturing young minds as a preschool teacher under the guidance and loving mentorship of his cousin, Mrs. Virginia Tolliver. This experience laid the foundation for a life of service and hard work. Douglas went on to join OWASA, devoting over two decades of commitment and diligence to his role. His career came full circle when he retired from the Town of Chapel Hill in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and community impact that spans a lifetime.

Douglas was an ardent Pittsburgh Steelers and UNC Tar Heels fan. He had a deep appreciation for old-school music and found joy in watching wrestling. Spending time with family and friends brought him immense happiness, but his greatest pride and joy was being a devoted father to his one and only son and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Douglas has entered a joyful reunion and new life alongside his beloved parents and his cherished wife, JoAnn Atwater, sisters Peggy McLeod, Fannie McCauley, Mary Allen, Edna
Revels, Virginia Foushee, brothers Willie Atwater Jr and Clarence Atwater.

Douglas leaves behind cherished memories to be forever treasured by his devoted son, Douglas Edward Atwater Jr., (Jeannette) of Durham, NC; two sisters, Mildred Meachem (Charles) of Suitland Maryland and Shirley Atwater of Newark NJ; three grandchildren, Shyannah and Skylar Atwater, Tyrell Jacobs of Durham, NC; two aunts, Mrs. Delores E. Plummer of Durham, NC and Mrs. Mattie E. Hackney of Chapel Hill, NC; two sisters in law, Mrs. Gwendolyn Atwater and Mrs. Deborah Atwater of Chapel Hill, NC; a special friend, Sharon Flores of Chapel Hill, NC and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Chapel Hill, NC