In lieu of Christmas gifts for each other, family donates books in memory of Barney and Doris
Barney and Doris Douglas - The family of the late Barney and Doris Douglas donated 69 books to Gainesville third grade and preschool students last week. Each book included the stamp, pictured below, on the inside cover. Both Doris and Barney Douglas spent their lives giving back to Ozark County. Doris, who died June 6, 2014, dedicated many years as a volunteer at the Ozark County Volunteer Library. Barney, who died Dec. 22, 2012, was active with the Robert Burns Masonic Lodge #496, volunteered with the American Red Cross bloodmobile, Lions Club, Hootin an Hollarin, and the ball game concession stand. He also served on the Ozark County Health Department board and Gainesville school board.
Nearly 70 Gainesville Elementary students received a little extra Christmas cheer Dec. 19 when they were given a new book to take home with them in memory of the late Barney and Doris Douglas. The gifts, provided by the Douglases’ children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were distributed to 43 Gainesville third graders and 26 Gainesville preschool students.
Granddaughter Jennifer Douglas Dabney said the family started the tradition last year, using the money they would have used to purchase gifts for one another to instead make a group book purchase.
“My grandma volunteered at the library for many years, and my grandpa was all about community service,” Douglas said. The family works with the teachers in the grades in which the books will be donated to choose titles the students would like.
A custom-made stamp featuring a silhouette of a woman reading under a tree with the inscription, “This book has been donated in loving memory of Barney & Doris Douglas,” was inked onto the inside cover of each book.
Family members include the Douglases’ children, Sharon Douglas Dennis and husband Wendell, Allen Douglas and wife Glenda, and Debby Douglas Bodenhamer; grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) Jennifer Douglas and husband James Dabney and children Cooper, Keaton and Greyson; Jeff Douglas; Brad, Beth, Finley and Ethan Gaddy, and Paula and Pat Bodenhamer.