Douglas William Phipps

Douglas William Phipps of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 24, 1953, in Charleston, West Virginia.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Clarkson Phipps and Mary Ruth Warren Phipps, as well as his brother, Stephen Warren Phipps.

He is survived by his beloved wife and the love of his life, Krista “Andrea” Bearden Phipps of Dalton, Georgia; his four children: Kevin Phipps and his wife, Lyndsay, of Snellville, Georgia, and their two children; Kristopher Phipps and his wife, Jauqui, of Clermont, Florida, and their four children; Brooke Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; and Brandi Johnson Brumlow and her husband, Jake, of Calhoun, Georgia, and their three children. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Clarkson Phipps, and his wife, Susan, along with their three daughters and seven great-nieces and great-nephews.

Doug began his distinguished career with Walt Disney World in 1971. During his twenty years of service, he rose to become Director of Transportation and Parking, where he played a pivotal role in implementing and operating the resort’s monorail system.

Drawing upon the expertise he developed at Disney, Doug later served as Transportation and Operations Director for numerous NBA Playoffs, NBA Finals, NBA All-Star Games, and NFL Pro Bowl events over many years.

Following his retirement from Disney, Doug became Director of Operations for the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He later relocated to Dalton, Georgia, where he joined the Dalton Convention Center as Director of Operations. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Executive Director and General Manager, a role he proudly held until his retirement in January 2026.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Doug was known for his gentle spirit, generous heart, and deep love for animals. He adored the Yorkshire Terriers and Schnauzers he and Andrea shared throughout the years and leaves behind their cherished companion, Izzy. Doug never hesitated when Andrea brought home an injured squirrel in need of care or proposed an adventure to some faraway tropical destination. His kindness, patience, and unwavering love for those around him touched countless lives.

Doug's absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A lifelong lover of tropical places, Doug’s life will be celebrated with family and friends in Ponce Inlet, Florida, the special place where he and Andrea were married. Details regarding the celebration of life service are pending and will be announced at a later date.