OBITUARY: Douglas E. Hampton

Douglas Eugene “Bubbles” Hampton, age 73, gained his heavenly wings on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at his home in Texas after a lengthy illness.

Doug was born in Bryson City NC, in 1950, to Harley Eugene and Nannie Belle Hampton. He graduated from Brevard High School in 1968, and then pursued a career in law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services.

He worked for Ecusta in Brevard, NC as a Security Officer, as well as an EMT with Transylvania EMS. As a member of Brevard Rescue Squad, he was one of the first in the county to train on the “jaws-of-life” when they were put in service in Transylvania County.

He served as Chief of Brevard Rescue Squad as well as Chief of the Western North Carolina Association of Rescue Squads. He was a dedicated officer of the law for more than 20 years, having worked for Brevard Police Department, Transylvania Sheriff’s Department, Waynesboro Police Department in Waynesboro Ga, and Burke County Sheriff’s Department in Waynesboro, GA.

He was a lifesaver to many and a friend to all. He always had a smile on his face and had the kindest spirit. He was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and the empty space he leaves behind is enormous.

Doug lived a full and happy life as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, cop, rescuer, and friend. He loved to fish and enjoyed time just visiting with family and friends listening to good bluegrass and gospel music. He was a Christian man and was at perfect peace when our Heavenly Father arrived for him. 

Those who met him when he entered the gates of Heaven were his parents, Harley and Nannie Belle, his infant great-grandchildren, Gavin, Graydon, and Shawn-Douglas Hampton, uncle Paul Hampton, uncle Bergin and aunt Georgia Lee Sutton, uncle Prince and aunt CoraLee Clampitt, and nephew Darryl Sutton.

Left to cherish his memory are his brother and sister-in-law Ronald and LouAnne Hampton of Ocean Springs, MS; his daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Gary Edwards of Ferris, TX; his daughter and son-in-law Christina and Sean Sutardji of Charlotte, NC; his son and daughter-in-law Brandon and Kimberly Hampton of Fredericksburg, VA; his grandchildren: Cheyenne and her husband Rob Cutchins of Alexander, NC, Madison Hampton of Brevard NC, Shaylyn Hampton of Fredericksburg, VA, Sean Sutardji of Charlotte NC, Aiden Sutardji of Charlotte, NC; one great-granddaughter Reagan Hampton of Brevard, NC;  his only surviving Uncle Jim Hampton of Augusta Ga; and his nephew Todd and his wife Carol Dyches of Holly Springs, NC; he is also survived by several cousins and many special friends that he held dear to his heart, including his special friend Joan Maki, who was with him in the last few months of his life; and his former wife Melba Hampton of Fredericksburg, VA, who is the mother of his children.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 at Green Funeral Home, Red Oak, TX, with members of the North Texas Patriot Guard officiating. As a final tribute, his daughter, Stephanie, along with her comrades from the North Texas Patriot Guard as well as her fellow motorcyclists, will give her dad his “final ride” from Green Funeral Home to the home of his daughter and son-in-law Gary and Stephanie Edwards, where friends can fellowship further if desired.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers with Amedysis Hospice, Baylor Scott and White Health System, Parkland Health, Ferris Fire Department, and The North Texas Patriot Guard for all their love and support to the family over the past 18 months. 

A second memorial service will be planned for late spring or early summer in Brevard, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity or to Transylvania County Rescue Squad, Transylvania County, NC.