Commander Douglas Hemming Epperson, Lake City, FL, age 98, went peacefully to the Lord on Saturday, March 09, 2013, having had the benefit of a large, loving family and the wonderful care and compassion of the staff at the Lake City VA Hospital.

Doug graduated from Columbia High School in 1934, and University of Georgia in 1938 with a degree in Forestry. He served his country as an aviator in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War. Upon retirement, he became a long time employee of the Florida Division of Forestry, a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake City, the American Legion, the VFW, and the Retired Military Officers Association of America. He was a scoutmaster, a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol, and active in youth activities.

Doug is survived by his wife of 69 years, June; five children-Carol (Dale) Price, Cheryl (Gary) Copps, Bill (Crystal) Epperson, Susan (Steve) Czeiszperger, and Elizabeth Black; loving sister-in-law Mary Emma; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Epperson will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 11, 2013 at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Robert Bass officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Lake City. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. HWY 441, Lake City. (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of comfort and love on the online guest book at www.gatewayforestlawn.com