Douglas Allen Hetzel

Douglas Allen Hetzel, 58, husband of Harriet Cox Hetzel, passed away December 4th at his home in Summerville, SC. Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Thursday, December 7th, 2017 from 6 to 8pm at James A. Dyal Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday, December 8th at 9am in the Bethany United Methodist Church sanctuary. A full military honors burial will follow at 12pm at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC Born November 19, 1959 to the late Grantville Douglas Rice and Louise Stamps Hetzel. He attended Valdosta State University where he was President of the SAE fraternity. Doug commissioned into the Air Force in 1983 through ROTC and served until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2008. A decorated officer and pilot, Doug flew C-141 special operations, C-22, C-137, and C-17 aircraft. He accumulated over 6,000 flying hours with meritorious service, supporting every major contingency, humanitarian support, and combat operations. Doug was highly respected by those with whom he served as a leader, mentor, and professional aviator. His passion for flying led him to American Airlines where he flew internationally on the 757-767. Doug enjoyed taking his family to the Caribbean islands, being out on his boat and playing golf. He was a faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church. He is survived by wife, Harriet Cox Hetzel formerly of Macon, GA; daughters, Mallory Brooke and Lauren Taylor (Fiancé Blake Wyatt), Douglas Ray Hetzel; mother, Louise and step-father Dave Hetzel of Tifton, GA. He is also survived by siblings; Grant Rice, Jr (Kellie) of Chicago, IL, Jason Rice (Kiley) of Chicago, IL, Lisa Rice Avrett of Atlanta, GA, Sharon Tuinder (Tim) of Cumming, GA, Kimberly Welty (Kenny) of Annapolis, MD, Julie Thumbtzen (William) of Jasper, FL, special loving cousin Albert Ellis (Delene) of Lafeyette, GA and by 13 nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, Grantville, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Allen Stamps, brothers Patrick Hetzel and Todd Rice. His beloved Gran was his light and love as a young boy. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation (SCJGF) | 803-732-9311 |P.O. Box 286 Irmo, SC 29063 (in memory of Doug Hetzel). A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Douglas Allen Hetzel

November 19, 1959 - December 4, 2017