Doug Emge has “Flown West,” age 62, his logbook closed one last time on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Albertville, Alabama. He was born on February 3, 1964, in Onawa, Iowa, to Richard and Julia Emge. At the age of 19, Doug enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1983–1987 as an Aviation Mechanic. He was a part of the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron, the “Death Angels,” and serviced the F-4 Phantom II while stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. This is where his love for all things aviation was born. In the early 1990s, he started a prestigious drag racing career, where he became a two-time ProStar National Champion across multiple divisions. His need for speed didn’t end there! In 2004, he began pursuing his Private Pilot License and living out his dream of building a home with a hangar attached on a private airfield known as “KWTF.” The Albertville Airport was his professional home for the last 30 years and also where he met the love of his life, Miss Stacy. He is well-known for his role as the founder and owner of Albertville Aviation. Aviation was far more than a profession—it was something he loved deeply and a community to which he devoted much of his life. He evolved the FBO into the heartbeat of the airport’s relationships with visiting pilots and the greater community. Doug was a legend. Truly one of a kind, he was loved by all who met him. His kindness, infectious smile and laughter, and willingness to help others were second to none. When Doug wasn’t wandering the skies, his hobbies included taking care of his family first, tinkering in the garage, spending time at the beach, snowboarding, home brewing beer, water sports, and anything adrenaline-inducing.
He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, as well as his dogs, Barney, Carter, and Marshall.
He is survived by those who call him “Doogee”: his loving wife, Miss Stacy; children, Chris (Ana) Wood and Zack (Britlie) Harry; grandchildren, Madison, Sophia, and William; siblings, Shawn and Jeff; dogs, Carli and Dam-it Kevin; and many other family members and dear friends.
For all you “Snapper-heads, Julio’s, and Juliette’s,” on Saturday, September 26, 2026, a celebration of life will be held from 4–6 p.m., followed by formal services from 6–7 p.m. at: Marshall County RSVP, 19272 US-431, Guntersville, AL 35976
To continue Doug’s legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the “Doug Emge Scholarship” memorial fund, a scholarship established through EAA to support aspiring pilots pursuing flight training and/or a future in aviation. Donate at EAA.org/donate
When making your donation, select:
“Use my donation to support: Other Named Scholarship”
“Donation specification: Doug Emge Scholarship”
As Doug would say, “My work here is done.”
