Douglas Meffert Wilmer

USAF Retired

Doug was born in Mount Pleasant, Texas on June 26, 1947 to Douglas Ward Wilmer and Audrey Meffert Wilmer. Doug passed away on November 8, 2020 at Moffitt Cancer Center Tampa, Florida, he was 73.

He was adored by his family and friends, and loved to make memories with them. He is survived by his loving wife, Garia, Children: Shana DeLuca, (Rich), Alpharetta, GA, Nicki Tuttle, (Jonathan), Kingsport, TN, Matthew Douglas Wilmer, Marietta, GA, and

Kim Zane, Roswell, GA

Grandchildren: Emily DeLuca, Elijah and Isla Tuttle, Kaelie and Kinsey Dodson

Mother-in-law Doris Giles, Mt Pleasant, SC

Brothers-in-law Randy Giles(Debbie), Ponce Inlet, FL Gene Giles(Keith Seabolt) Atlanta, GA

Niece Cristy Giles, Louisville, KY

Aunt Nancy Wilmer, Baltimore, MD, Uncle Ron Giles and Aunt Laura Giles, Rutherfordton, NC, and multiple cousins

Bonus family, Brett Beattie, Julia Kim, Steve and Kim Huck, Paula and Bill McLane, Sarah and Timothy Bryan, Mallory and Sam Ortiz

Doug attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO. Doug was a member of the Honor Guard Precision Drill Team. Doug graduated from Chamblee High School in Chamblee, GA and Studied business at Georgia State University. He served in USAF stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts, 99th Bomb Wing, Redhorse.

Doug owned Soundd Investment, Tape Warehouse 30 plus years in Atlanta, Georgia. Doug was a very talented and creative videographer and producer, always willing to share his talent and time to help others. Doug’s dad was a WWII Glider Pilot and they spent years donating hours and traveling to reunions documenting the stories of the Glider Pilots. They produced several award winning documentaries including a Telly Award for “No Turning Back” best documentary covering a span of 25 years. Doug won more awards than we can list.

While living on the Isle Of Palms, SC for 20 years Doug and Garia’s video production company, MMG Productions, handled the broadcast of Council meetings for the City of Isle of Palms, Town of Mt Pleasant, City of Charleston, City of N Charleston and Charleston County. They produced a documentary for the City of Isle of Palms winning a National Communicator Award, a favorite project of Doug’s.

Also, during his time on IOP, Doug worked on several government contracts documenting new technologies for defense with Scientific Research Corporation and Bowhead Technology.

During his semi-retirement he worked for the Sullivan’s Island Police Department doing beach patrol for two summers and was unofficially named the Town ambassador for his friendly, kind ways.

Doug loved cars and owned a variety of classics and modern day sports cars throughout his life. He enjoyed going to “Cars and Coffee” with his friends and loved teaching his kids and grandchildren about cars. He enjoyed all forms of motorsports.

He loved being on the water and enjoyed the boating and beach lifestyle. His passion lives on through his children and grandchildren, whom he taught so much.

He had a love of flying and got his private license, logged time in the Goodyear blimp and hung out of helicopters videotaping aerials around Atlanta. He and his friend, John Lipscomb, started an Air Explorer unit of Boy Scouts for scouts interested in aviation. The scouts would come to Peachtree-DeKalb Airport in Atlanta. Doug and his friend would teach them about flying and take them up in the airplane. He was on the path to becoming a commercial pilot, but his business took off and oil prices were at an all time high, so he decided to focus on Tape Warehouse.

Doug and Garia moved to the Isle of Sand Key Clearwater Beach 2 years ago for warmer winters and have enjoyed the Gulf and Condo living.

He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He was known for always having a smile and for his gentle, kind nature.

Doug fought a courageous battle against Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) since 2015. He never lost his kindness, good spirit and determination to live.

Due to Covid-19, a private graveside service will be held with full military honors at Bay Pines Military Cemetery, St Petersburg, FL on December 4th at 1:00PM.

A celebration of life will be held at Isle of Sand Key on December 4th 5:00PM. Additional celebrations will be held in the coming months as social distance requirements allow.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to:

VFW3137 Post On The Coast,

1004 Ocean Blvd

Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Wentworth Military Academy Museum

1128 Main Street

Lexington, MO 64067