Douglas Wayde Oldham

Douglas Wayde Oldham, 64, of Watkinsville, Georgia, was found deceased on March 24, 2025.

Born on September 17, 1960, in Athens, Georgia, Doug was the beloved son of the late Floyd and Hazel Martin Oldham. He spent most of his life in Oconee County, where he built not only a business, but a life rooted in love, loyalty, and hard work.

Doug was a devoted father, a loving husband for over 30 years, and a man whose quiet strength and unwavering integrity touched everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Hazel Oldham, as well as his grandparents, Kingsley and Nancy Oldham, and Lonnie and Goldie Martin.

He is survived by his daughters, Katelynn Oldham and Stephanie Palmer; his grandchildren, Burke and Sonja Jane Ziemer; the mother of his children, Kimberly Dawn Oldham; and his sister, Deborah Oldham. He was a pillar of love and support for his family, and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

Doug attended Oconee County High School and went on to teach CDL classes at Athens Technical Institute. He also worked at the family business, Oldham’s Body & Paint Shop, before founding Doug Oldham’s Wrecker Service in 1991—a business he built with pride, grit, and the kind of reliability that made him a trusted name in the community.

A proud lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and many local gun clubs, Doug lived life on his terms—with conviction, honor, and a deep love for the things and people he cherished most.

He was deeply loved and will be missed by many who had the privilege of knowing him, learning from him, or simply crossing his path.

A memorial service to celebrate Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, visitation will begin at 1 p.m and services will begin at 2 p.m. at Lord and Stephens West, 1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677. Following the service, family and friends are invited together and remember Mitchell at 240 E Springs Street, Crawford, Georgia.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements.