William Douglas (Doug) Chafin

william chafin

June 28, 1949 ~ February 6, 2022

Born in: Atlanta , Georgia
Resided in: Avondale Estates, Georgia

William Douglas (Doug) Chafin

Doug Chafin, age 72, of Avondale Estates, GA, died peacefully Sunday, February 6, 2022. His wife of 50 years was by his side.

Doug met his wife, Bonnie Keaton Chafin, at Avondale High School one year before graduating in 1967.

He served in the US Army and was stationed in Alaska. After his discharge Doug worked for Roadway Express for 32 years, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the American Legion Post 66, where he worked on several committees through the years, and was voted Legionnaire of the Year in 1997.

Doug was a collector of all kinds of memorabilia and loved to go “junking,” often picking up treasures from the side of the road and selling them to consignment shops. He loved spending a day picking through items at Lakewood Fairgrounds and Scott’s Antique Market. Favorite finds included license plates, Coca Cola collectibles, yearbooks, yardsticks, pocketknives, keychains and cigarette lighters. Items with advertisements from businesses long gone were most prized.

Being an avid car-lover, Doug bought and sold many classic cars throughout his life. Most of all he enjoyed time with his daughter and grandchildren.

Doug is preceded in death by his father, Willie Hugh Chafin, Sr.; his mother, Margie Chafin Ashby; his brother Hugh Chafin; and his stepfather, John T. Ashby. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; daughter, Amy Chafin Howard (Todd); two grandchildren, Joshua and Emily; niece, Michele Chafin; sister-in-law, Nancy Bingham; nieces, Beth Bingham and Katie Bingham Pedroza (Joe); great niece and nephew, Ainsley and Clive. Doug leaves behind many relatives and friends whom he loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Doug’s memory to the American Legion, Post 66, 30 Covington Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002.

To share memories and condolences visit www.wagesandsons.com

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  1. Doug and Bonnie Chafin were two of the finest people in my life both within my American Legion life and in the Avondale-Decatur Community. Doug’s passing is a loss to everyone I know.
    I was active in American Legion Post 66 until a stroke took me away from my life in Avondale Estates and all of the wonderful people there who shared their wisdom, humor, and caring. Doug and Bonnie were among the most entertaining and supportive friends I enjoyed in those days.
    Bonnie, loving best wishes for you and everyone you love and care about for good health and happiness.
    I would come back more often to see everyone I could, but the lyrics “don’t get around much anymore” seem descriptive of my circumstances.
    My best to everyone.

  2. sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Lost touch since moving to Augusta in 2018. He encouraged me to become active in Post 66 and shared his interest in antique and classic automobiles.

  3. CandleImageHow my heart breaks for his wife Bonnie and their daughter and grandkids. I always admired how much he loved his wife and family.
    I remember him bringing them grandbabies to the legion and riding bikes in the parking lot .
    Your presence will be greatly missed!!!

  4. Dearest Amy , Bonnie and Family. May you rejoice to think of the REUNION he has experienced. It was always a joy to share a visit with Doug. I know God honored the way he loved and cared for his sweet Mother.
    As you grieve his transition, remember God tells us, HIS Eyes are on the righteous and HIS Ears are opened to their prayers.
    Love and Prayers
    Marti

  5. Doug (Lighting) as some called him was a very considerate person, always listened to what you had to say. He had some of the best classic cars when we were going to Avondale and even after. Bonnie I am so sorry for your loss which is a loss for all of us who knew Doug.

    Dusty Brown

  6. CandleImageDoug was a great friend to me for many years. He had all of the qualities I look for in a friend such as honesty, dependability and fun to be around. I miss him and will never forget him!

  7. Doug and I met at Midway grammar school and we of course attended Avondale High School together and were close friends. After Avondale and time in the Army we remained friends and visited with one another often. Our mutual love of cars and malt beverages always gave us a reason to be together. I will certainly miss Doug as I know many of you will.
    Prayers for peace and fond memories go out to Bonnie, Amy, and all Doug’s relatives and friends.

  8. CandleImageI went to school with Doug / Lighting and I remember he always had cool cars and was cool himself. I also spent many nights visiting Bonnie and her sister Nancy at their home. My heart goes out to Bonnie and the rest of their family.

  9. CandleImageI met Doug and Bonnie in 2006 when they gave me a tour of a house they were renting (Bonnie’s childhood home) in Forrest Hills. I had recently moved to Atlanta from the West Coast and didn’t know a whole lot of folks. Not only was Doug a nice landlord, but he became a friend. I have a lot of good memories of my time with Doug and Bonnie. I thank him for introducing me to Southern life, which included fireworks at the neighborhood lake on 4th of July, friendly rounds of beer at the local watering holes; meat and threes for lunch, antiquing aka junking, and red, ripe summer tomatoes. The list goes on. I will miss him and his gentle ribbing. Sending much love to Bonnie and his family.

  10. Bonnie, truly A class act. He did much for the community. He loved you and family. A fine example. My deepest regret.
    Love to you Bonnie.
    Milton Broome


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