Floyd Buster Douthit went home on July 26 to be with the Savior that he loved, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. Born April 19, 1931, “Buster” was the oldest of five sons of Floyd and Myrtle Douthit. He grew up in Calhoun County, graduating from Jacksonville High School in 1949 and Jacksonville State University in 1952, having played tennis in college and working as a football trainer-manager. He married his wife of 64 years, Annelle Henderson on December 31, 1953.
After serving in the Army from1953-55 he earned an MA degree from UTEP, and later earned his Master’s in Education from the University of Alabama. From 1955-1966, Buster coached and taught in Anniston at Ohatchee High School, Saks Junior High and subsequently Saks High School, where he was the head football and basketball coach. In 1966, Buster came to Huntsville, and taught at Joe Bradley and then Stone Junior High, where he coached football and track. Buster moved to Lee High School in 1971 and spent the next 18 years there, teaching and coaching football, track, and softball. He spent the last five years at Lee as an Assistant Principal and finally retiring after 45 years in education. Throughout his time as an educator and coach, Buster spent 29 years in the Army Reserve attaining the rank of Colonel. His contribution to Huntsville Sports included organizing and conducting the 5th and 6th grade Track and Field day for over 20 years. Upon retirement, Buster operated the Off Campus College Bookstore for over 35 years serving students and teachers at locations in Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and Athens. He loved UAH sports and the Softball Press Box was named in his honor. He is a lifelong member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served on the Board of Directors for the Huntsville Madison County Hall of Fame. He was also the recipient of the Special Achievement Award from the Huntsville Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. In his spare time, he officiated basketball, football, baseball, softball and volleyball, and coached little league baseball. He was a Gideon and served as a deacon in the church. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Buster is survived by his wife of 64 years, Annelle; children, Elizabeth Ann Guest (Doug), Floyd Terry Douthit (Dawne), and Robert Douthit, (Paige); grandchildren, Josh Phillips, Andrew Phillips (Kelly), Tim Douthit (Joyce), Jeremy Douthit (Amanda), Nathan Douthit (Kate), Micah Douthit (Taylor), Mallory Douthit, Jess Clark (Logan), John Douthit, Jacob Douthit, and Maddie Douthit; 11 great grandchildren; brothers and sister-in-law, Jim Douthit (Judy), Frank Douthit (Sue), Bob Douthit (Ellan), and Evelyn Austin; along with multiple nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Buster loved life, his family and his church. He was a people person and made all those he came into contact with feel special with his famous smile.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 28 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, with the funeral service to follow at the church. Burial will be in Huntsville Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mt Zion Baptist Church and or UAH Athletics.
