William Douglas “Doug” Rosser of East Ridge, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
He was born on July 16, 1941, in Cleveland, Tn., to Troy William Rosser and Vera Louise Wright Rosser. Doug graduated from the old Central High School in 1960. Following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. During his time serving he was stationed at Lackland AFB in Texas, Azores AFB in Portugal during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and Eglin AFB in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. While stationed in Azores, Doug flew home and married the love of his life, Myra. They had two children, Greg Rosser and Michelle Rosser Howell.
Doug was a driven and hardworking man. After serving his time in the military, he dedicated his life to many jobs, with the most notable being Goodyear, Combustion Engineering (with whom he retired from after 30 years), he was a Harrison Bay Vocational welding instructor, and his most passionate endeavor being a welding instructor at East Ridge High School for 24 years. He was so involved in his students’ lives, teaching them how to become responsible citizens and overall good human beings. He loved his students like they were his own.
While at ERHS, he spent a lot of time helping with softball and football. He and Fred Pruett built the girls’ softball field there. He was on the Chain Gang for all ERHS football games for 53 consecutive years, starting in 1968. During these years, Doug recruited many guys for the Chain Gang and it turned into a family affair. When he finally gave up this job in 2021, he always joked that it was because of his bonus son, Tim James, leaving ERHS and going into administration. You knew Doug really liked you when he aggravated you! In addition to his coaching at ERHS, he also coached softball at CSAS for a while.
Known as the legend of East Ridge, Doug had many honors under his belt including induction into the Southeastern Sports Hall of Fame in Knoxville for his service to children throughout the years, an ERHS yearbook dedicated to him, and induction into the ERHS Hall of Fame. He was so passionate about all things East Ridge High School and his lifetime dedication and investments towards the school and its students was a reflection of that. In addition to this, he was a huge TN fan. He was a season ticket holder for much of his life and he never missed a football game.
One of the best qualities Doug had was that he always said what he was thinking, even if it hurt feelings or stepped on toes. He always rooted for the underdog, and he always took care of the people who needed it the most. There was never a person that he wasn’t willing to help. He made the most of every moment life had to offer him, and he strived to do the same for others. If you needed to get in touch with Doug, chances were he has was on the lake. That man could find a fishing hole with his eyes closed. He spent countless hours of his life on teaching others how to fish and giving them an outlet to stay on the straight and narrow. Doug knew the value of being out on the water before the sun came up and for that he soaked up many sunrises in his lifetime.
Doug is survived by his wife, Myra Johnson Rosser, of 62 years; his son, Gregory Rosser (Susan), daughter, Michelle Rosser Howell (Rusty), granddaughters, Shannon Martin (Taylor), Erica Cronnon (Nick), Amber Ezell (Tyler), Cagney Howell, and Maggie Howell (Ryan Johnson). He also had an abundance of great-grands including Lakelynn, Ruby, Lainey, Palmer, Bodhi and Elijah. He loved his granddaughters and great-grandchildren immensely. Siblings include Norma Jean McDaniel, Tommy Rosser (Debbie), and Tina Aaron. He has many special nieces and nephews, one of whom he thought of as a son, Jason Rosser (Tammy).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Vera Rosser, maternal grandparents, Berchey (Bert) and Trinetta Wright, paternal grandparents, Woody and Mary Rosser and beloved great-grandson, Elijah Cronnon.
Doug loved hard and wholeheartedly. Everyone that crossed paths with him experienced his version of love and caring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Doug’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or ERHS Alumni & Supporters Association. The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their passionate care and love for Doug in his final months.
Arrangements are as follows: Visitation will be on Sunday, Oct. 13, and Monday, Oct. 14, from 4-8 p.m., and funeral service will be on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 12 p.m. Visitation will be at Chattanooga Funeral Home- East Chapel and funeral service will be at East Ridge High School football field. Burial will take place at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. following the service.
Doug would’ve wanted this to be a celebration of his life so for that we ask that you wear your biggest orange for the service! God Bless and Go Vols!
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com
Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with Doug’s arrangements.
