Douglas Harwood McAteer

Douglas “Duke” Harwood McAteer, a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, friend of many, and an unwavering pillar of strength and kindness passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025 at the age of seventy-nine.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harwood Wilson and Edna Burroughs McAteer, and his grandparents, John Francis and Josey Evans McAteer, and Billy and Willie Turner Burroughs, and sister-in-law and second mom, Wilda Booth McAteer Lee. 

He leaves behind his wife, Brenda Goodloe McAteer, children Neena McAteer Palmer (Joey), Mandie McAteer McCook (Bill), Trae Douglas McAteer (Mackenzie), Chad Skelton (April), and Cary Skelton (Carla), grandchildren Cade Thomas (Kayla), Mary Nell McCook, Hinton McCook, Drew McCook, Lane McAteer, Miles McAteer, Katie Bolling (Blake), Ally Marie Skelton, Carson Skelton, and Carly Grace Skelton, great grandchildren Rhett Bolling and Archie “Mack Man” Bolling, and brothers, Billy Joe McAteer (Robbie Bethea) and David McAteer (Kathy). He also leaves behind his very spoiled riding buddy, Black Betty.

Born on February 28 in Tuscaloosa, Doug embodied the virtues of hard work, generosity, and an unyielding commitment to family and community. As a young man, he embraced responsibility with determination, forging a life defined by integrity and purpose. His career as a pipefitter and superintendent was not just a job but a testament to his tireless work ethic and desire to be the best in his field. During his decades long career, he worked various pipeline, facility, and refinery projects throughout the United States. He loved sharing stories of his travels, the jobs, and the people he met along the way, especially regarding his time spent working on the Alaskan Pipeline. He was a mentor to many and, when applauded for a good job, he would immediately advise that praise should go to his crew; they were a team. He was one of a kind and believed in and expected a hard day’s work, but would not ask of others what he would not do himself. After attending high school at Tuscaloosa County High, Doug traveled where the jobs were, including working with Pipeliners Local Union 798 out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, but spent the last fifty plus years of his career as a brother/member of Local 372 Plumbers and Steamfitters at McAbee Construction, Inc., retiring in March 2024.

Doug’s greatest pride and joy, however, was his family. 

He was a loving husband, provider, protector, often times teacher, and, most of all, Brenda’s best friend, understanding her when no one else did, and was supportive in all Brenda’s activities, when she, along with those in her circle, knew, no matter what, he always had her back. What Brenda loved most about Doug was his fierce love of and dedication to their extended family, friends, and work. What she will miss most is sharing those early morning and late day conversations that, as many know, could be very animated, the long rides in the country, and looking at his pictures and videos he loved sharing not only with her, but all who knew him.

As a father and grandfather, he was a strong supporter and the greatest teacher. Known for rescuing animals and turning ordinary days into adventures, he taught the value of hard-work, generosity, and lending a helping hand. His love knew no bounds, whether offering words of wisdom, fixing something with his hands, or simply lending a listening ear, he was always present with patience and solid advice. 

Doug was also a loyal friend who had the ability to forge deep connections with people from all walks of life. His lifelong passion for racing spanned competing in dirt track racing in his early life, to building drag race cars and junior dragsters with friends and family, and multiple family trips to Talladega. 

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to family and friends who were so supportive during these last several months: Leah Ann Sexton, Leroy McAbee, Scott Nichols, the entire McAbee Construction family, especially “Duke’s Crew”, the staff at Cornerstone Care Giving, Agape Care Giving Hospice, Hunter Creek Nursing Home, Jason Wyatt at Norwood-Wyatt Chapel, Susan Seymour, Linda Miller, Billy Joe McAteer, Robbie Bethea, David and Kathy McAteer, Tony McAteer, Dale and Sheila Christian, Connie, Bobby, and Spencer Mazone, Brian Mason, Roy Bayliss, Johnny Davis, Jimmy Sexton, Revon Bigham, and Brenda's TCHS 1970 Classmates. 

Though his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, Doug’s legacy of love, generosity, and hard work will live on through all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will continue to inspire us to approach life with the same resilience, compassion, and generosity that he exemplified every day.

As someone who loved making a fuss over those near and dear to him but never wanting a fuss made over him, Doug’s wishes were that there would be no public viewing or service. 

In lieu of flowers and in honor of “Duke’, lend a hand, help a neighbor, or simply say a prayer for someone who needs it. Look for ways to make a difference. Help the one that has fallen to stand again. That’s what Duke would do!