Willie Lee Douglas

The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC carefully considered this recommendation and ask that additional guest please participate via live-streaming if it is authorized by the family.

Private Funeral service for Mr. Willie Lee "Gene" Douglas will be conducted 2:00 PM Thursday, April 16, 2020 at J. O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 S. Johns St., Florence. Interment will follow at The Church in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostles Doctrine, Inc. in Hartsville, SC,directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Willie was born on August 13, 1950. He was the son of the late Mr. John Stedman Rogers and Mrs. Josephine (Lacy) Douglas Seals of Florence, South Carolina. He entered into his rest on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at MUSC Hospital in Florence.

He was educated in the Public Schools of Florence County, a Wilson High School graduate of 1969. He attended Francis Marion University and Morehouse College, and also worked at Bell South, Inc.

He was employed with the CSX Railroad as a Crew Clerk Operator for approximately 15 years.

At an early age, Brother Willie, a member of The Church In The Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostles’ Doctrine, Inc. was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He served as a member of the Whole Truth Choir as a Tenor, and was the Secretary for the Whole Truth Magazine.

He married the love of his life, Sister Catherine Douglas on May 29, 1982. To this union, one baby girl was born.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mr. John Stedman Rogers; his mother, Mrs. Josephine Douglas Seals; his step father, Mr. Lacy Seals, three brothers, Otis, Edward, and Johnny Douglas; and one sister, Florence Green.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of the home, Sister Catherine Douglas; a daughter, Sister Magon (Curtis) Tisdale of Atlanta, Georgia; a grandson, Noah Joel Tisdale of Atlanta, Georgia; one brother, Walter Douglas of Florence, South Carolina; two sisters, Catherine Briggs and Audrey Mae (George) Brockington both of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of nephews; nieces; other relatives; and friends, including a large church family.

Please keep the family of Willie Lee Douglas in your thoughts and prayers.

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