Mr. Douglas Harold Sewell's Obituary
Douglas Harold Sewell of Freeport, FL left this world to be with his Lord and Savior on February 13, 2022. Mr. Sewell is the only son of the late Odis C. and Euna Johnson Sewell of Clanton, AL. Mr. Sewell’s sister, Joyce Marie Sewell Ray, passed in 2018 and is survived by her beloved husband Allen Ray of Dadeville, AL.
Mr. Sewell leaves behind a large family: beloved wife Su Chin Jones also of Freeport, FL; sons Michael Harold Sewell; Daughter-in-law Patricia Sandiford Sewell of Hiawassee, GA; Steven Keith Sewell; Daughter-in-law Eileen Blackwell Sewell of Granbury, TX; and daughter, Belena Suzanne Sewell Perkins; Son-in-law George Edward Perkins of Newnan, GA; and former wife of 41 years, Betty Sue Dennis Sewell of Newnan, GA.
Three Grandchildren: Stephanie Sewell Fredrickson (Brian) of Denton, TX; Amanda Sewell Snow (Jesse) of Riverton, UT; and Tiffany Sewell Frisbie (Adam) of Irving, TX. Mr. Sewell also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren.
Mr. Sewell graduated from Chilton County High School in Clanton, AL in 1958 and began his memorable career at the Wadesonia Theaters and Clanton Drive-in as projectionist. Mr. Sewell, recognized for his keen people and managerial skills soon became hotel clerk with Holiday Inn in Clanton and manager in Selma, AL before transitioning to Holiday Inns in Lexington and Morehead, KY; and subsequently opening the Ramada Inn in Prattville, AL and later manager of Holiday Inn in Phenix City, AL. His company later moved he and the family to manage the Ramada Inn (on Eisenhower Parkway) in Macon, GA for 14 years; Holiday Inn in Griffin, GA for 3 years; moving to Houston, TX; spending a brief period in Austin, TX; and finally, to Wichita Falls, TX to upgrade and manage hotels at these locations. Mr. Sewell met his current wife in Wichita Falls.
Mr. Sewell retired in 2005 and subsequently built a home in Lamar, TX (near Rockport) to enjoy fishing along the south Texas bay waters; ultimately moving to and building a home in his final location of Freeport, FL where he enjoyed boating, fishing, and gazing at the many birds wandering along Alaqua Creek. Mr. Sewell was a pet lover and always adored dogs, cats, and rabbits.
In addition to being an expert hotel manager, Mr. Sewell was an ingenious craftsman hand-building four homes; the first with his first wife Betty and father; second with his two sons; and two with his present wife Su Chin Jones. He loved to do all the work himself and enjoyed the pride of homebuilding and sharing his work with his beloved family. Mr. Sewell hand built a twenty-four-foot cabin cruiser motor yacht upside down in his garage and promptly named it for his first love and wife – Betty S. Many onlookers referred to this large boat as Noah’s Ark. Mr. Sewell was also an expert marksman; he could easily hit any still or moving target and brought home many gifts for his family while supporting local carnivals.
Mr. Sewell unselfishly assisted to finance two sons through The College of Engineering and the Georgia Institute of Technology (in Atlanta) and always supported and admired their career ambitions. Mr. Sewell loved his daughter, Suzanne and cherished her wonderful spouse, Ed.
Mr. Sewell raised his children to be Christians, taking them to Church on Sundays; encouraged hard work and independence, along with high standards, knowing right from wrong, and how to respect others.
He will surely be missed by all. May he rest in peace under God’s grace.
A time of visitation will be held from, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Langley Funeral Home; 21837 Highway 280, Camp Hill, AL 36850.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Tallapoosa County Memorial Gardens Cemetery; 21927 Highway 280, Camp Hill, AL 36850.
Flowers will be accepted.
You may view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at www.clary-glenn.com. Clary-Glenn Funeral Homes & Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.
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