Douglas Lawrence Dellinger

? Douglas Lawrence Dellinger of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Saturday June 6, 2014 at CMC-Main. Doug, a native Charlottean, had a long career in the insurance industry and at the time of his retirement was a partner with Benefit Controls Companies. He loved the Lord and understood the importance of service and church community. Over the years he served Christ as an Elder and Deacon at East Presbyterian Church. After joining Christ Covenant Church, he volunteered as a Worship Coordinator and even as his health declined and often in pain, he continued to greet attendees with a smile and words of encouragement. Doug also served his country with distinction and epitomized the concept of the citizen soldier. Spanning a 32 year military career in the Army and U.S. Army Reserves, Doug earned the Green Beret, was Team Commander with the 11th Special Forces, rose to the rank of Colonel and was known as a soldier"s soldier by those who served under him. His military service was most recently recognized when he was inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame at his beloved Presbyterian College ("PC") (class of 57) in Clinton, South Carolina. An all-around athlete, Doug attended PC on a football scholarship. On many a fall Saturday, you would find Doug and a core group of former teammates and classmates in the stands watching PC football and reminiscing about the glory days at PC. However, his favorite spectator sport was watching his three beloved grandsons play the sports of their choice and often proudly spoke of their many accomplishments both on and off the field to his friends. Doug rarely met a stranger and was a true loyal friend to many. His friendships bridged generations and included many boyhood friends and Tech High school classmates. Recognizing the importance of fellowship, he was a founding member and President of Tech High Lunch Bunch, a service organization meeting for lunch once a month that not only included classmates of Tech High but grew to include friends from former rival high schools. Doug also loved the beach, spending countless summer days on the South Carolina coast. It was during this time that he learned to shag and his dancing skills were recognized when he was inducted into the Shaggers" Hall of Fame and Legends. ?Doug is preceded in death by his father, a former Charlotte Police officer, Jessie Albert Dellinger and his mother, Emilie Dellinger. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Carolyn; son Stephen; daughter-in law, Sandy; brother Ray and his wife Barbra; sister-in-law, Mitzi Wilson; three grandsons, Jonathan, Patrick and Edward; nieces, nephews, and many close friends. A service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday June 10, 2014 at 11:00am at Christ Covenant Church. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Tech High Lunch Bunch, c/o Jimmie W. Bookout, 2300 Arnold Drive Charlotte, North Carolina, 28205, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675 6/10/2014 11:00 AM Celebration of Life Christ Covenant Church Matthews NC