Robert Douglas “Doug” Calabrese, 62

October 23, 1961 – September 13, 2024

Houlka – Robert Douglas “Doug” Calabrese, 62, longtime resident of Houlka, departed this life on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, AL, following an extended illness. Doug was born on October 23, 1961, in Tuscaloosa, AL, to the late Robert A. and Rena Mae Goodwin Calabrese. He spent several years in Sumiton, AL, before moving to Houlka and making it home with his wife of 28 years, Letitia Gann Calabrese. A valued employee of TVA, Doug was a substation maintenance electrician for over 23 years.

He was also a proud member of IBEW Local 852 for nearly 40 years, traveling all over the United States as an inside journeyman wireman. A Christian, Doug was a man with an all-around “good soul”. He was well respected for being gentle, soft spoken, and treating everyone he met with compassion. Living by the “golden rule”, Doug always treated others the way he wanted to be treated, even if they were not a “Roll Tide” fan. He was a hippie at heart and loved music and Alabama football.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at the Okolona Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Bro. David Blackwell officiating.

Visitation will be from 1 PM until service time. A private family burial will follow in Halsell Cemetery in Houlka.

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife Letitia, with whom he celebrated their 28th anniversary on June 29th, his only child, Bobby Calabrese of Houlka, one sister, Pam Parsons (Terry) of Sumiton, AL, his brother-in-law, Wayne Gann (Karon) of Springtown, TX, his sister-in-law Cindy Calabrese of Dora, AL, five nieces, Lindsay Patterson (Andrew), Kelsie Grayson (Micah), Kaite Calabrese, Christine Spikes (Kevin), and Tiffany Caswell (Caleb), and two nephews, Michael Calabrese, and Anthony Carr. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Calabrese, his mother-in-law, Sue Gann, and his special canine companion, Buddy.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Calabrese, Terry Parsons, Wayne Gann, Lloyd Perrigin, Vince Britton, and Chris Taylor.

Memorial can be directed to Tupelo Lee Humane Society, P.O. Box 2143 , Tupelo, MS 38803 or ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Holland Funeral Directors are honored to serve Doug’s friends.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.