Douglas Cutter, 81, of The Villages, Florida, left us on December 29, 2023.  He was born November 10, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia, son of the late Howard Davis Cutter, Jr. and Katharine Boyd Cutter.  Growing up Doug played the clarinet in the school band, participated in youth sports and was a proud Eagle Scout.  He graduated from North Fulton High School, Atlanta, Georgia, and received an appointment and attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. While at the Academy, Doug and his company (1st) were selected to march in John F. Kennedy's inauguration parade in 1961 as well as his funeral procession in 1963.  Upon graduation Doug was commissioned into the Navy as an Ensign on June 3, 1964, and assigned to begin his flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station.  Doug served two tours of duty aboard the USS Kitty Hawk flying the A4 Skyhawk with the VA-144 Roadrunner squadron for 201 missions.  After Vietnam, Doug was based at NAS China Lake, CA, with the VX-5 Vampires. VX-5 was a test and evaluation squadron to develop tactics to be employed with all newly developed weapons and electronics for Navy and Marine Corps squadrons. His duty assignments also included serving as the safety officer and completing test pilot training.

After his active service Doug continued to serve his country by flying in the Navy Reserve at Naval Air Station Atlanta, (now known as General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center); part of Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, Georgia. Flying for almost twenty years with VA-205 Green Falcons squadron, (unofficially called the "Salty Dogs"). He served as the commanding officer of VA-2267, an augmented squadron, until October 1980. When he retired from Navy flying he did so at the rank of Captain.

Doug had an outstanding career as a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines, where he not only flew, but served as a flight instructor and line check airman.  He also lead various pilot hiring and instructor programs. After retiring as a Captain on the Boeing 777 aircraft for Delta Air Lines in November 2002, he continued to instruct pilots on this aircraft for Delta Air Lines and Emirates Airlines. He was a member of the Delta Golden Wings in Georgia.

After moving to The Villages, Florida, he enjoyed golf with fellow neighbors and friends, monthly gatherings with the Naval Academy Alumni and Wings of Gold club, playing bridge and listening to music and dancing at the town squares. He and his wife, Cherylin loved traveling, hunting for antiques and treasures, and seeking out new adventures.  Whenever possible Doug loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren. This brought him great joy including many happy memories of camping, traveling, coaching, watching cheerleading, swimming, soccer games and participating in ALTA tennis.

Doug is survived by his wife, Cherylin Cutter.  His children Michael Cutter (Brooke), David Cutter (Paula), Jennifer Cutter Biehler (Ned), Dr. Darren Cutter (Laura) and  Molly Cutter Henson (Beau). Step-sons Kurt Myers (Rachael) and Clint Myers (Lindsay)  They were blessed with a total of 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3. 2024, 11;00 am Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Chapel.   955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, Georgia.

Doug's final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Inurnment date has yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of his favorite charities: Tunnels to Towers, Wounded Warriors Project, United States Naval Academy Athletic Fund, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center.

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com .