Douglas Frederick Gehring , a ge 78, passed on September 5, 2021.

Douglas, better known as Doug, is survived by his two sons David (Alanna) and Andrew (Michaela), three grandsons, Ethan, Gavin and Nolan, brother Ret. Rear Admiral Howard Gehring and sister Katherine Lorch. He is preceded in death by his sister Marlene, brother Roger, mother Ruby and father Frederick.

Doug was born on November 11, 1942 in Bremerton, Washington, just outside of Seattle, and grew up in the area. He attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and joined the service upon graduation. He served his country in Vietnam and earned multiple awards and honors over the course of his military career, before retiring as a Commander from his post in Washington, D.C. in 1987. His family moved to Central Florida, where he and his best friend, business partner and then-wife Barbara started a small business focused on wholesale goods and restaurant and party supply. Later renamed D&G Occasions, Doug co-owned the business for over 30 years before his retirement.

Doug loved his sons, adored his grandsons, appreciated his ex-wife, admired his daughters-in-law, cared about his employees and ultimately revered his family. He was passionate about golf, politics and poker, having placed in the money at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas on multiple occasions. His family and friends will always remember him as a generous punster who would both warm your heart and try to make you laugh.

Services will be held at Baldwin Brothers in Apopka, FL at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021.