Douglas Charles Baxter

Douglas Charles Baxter, 62, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina after a brief bout with an aggressive and rare mucinous appendiceal cancer. Doug was born on April 18, 1960 in Ringgold, Georgia, the son of the late Joann Erwin Baxter and the late E.L. “Bud” Baxter. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Susan Forkin Baxter, their daughters Blair (Madison) King and Greer (Chandler) Roy, sister Sue (Dennis) Mason and grandchildren Evelyn-Drew Roy and Brooks Roy.

Doug was a quiet servant of God and put his faith into action on a daily basis. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach for 34 years. He served on and chaired numerous committees and co-taught the 5th grade confirmation class for many years. He was a member and leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Doug enjoyed volunteering at the Community Kitchen and Help 4 Kids / Backpack Buddies as well as many other missions with FUMC.

Doug was a devoted husband to his wife Susan and was blessed to enjoy the many years of marriage to the love of his life. His beautiful daughters, Blair and Greer, were the pride and joy of his life. While they were growing up, he could often be found traveling the South Carolina roads taking the girls to games and tournaments. When his daughters got married, Doug was never forlorn that he was “losing a daughter,” but he was truly happy to welcome his sons-in-law to his family so he would finally be able to have some male energy around, compatriots to play golf and watch sports with. Doug adored his grandchildren, Evelyn-Drew and Brooks, and was the best “Doug Doug” they could ever ask for.

Anyone who knew Doug knows he was a diehard Georgia Bulldog fan. Living with all females gave Doug an extra appreciation for his weekly Saturday morning golf games with the “Clabbos” at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.

Doug grew up in a strong Christian family and graduated from Ringgold High School, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the University of Georgia School of Law. He was a shareholder at Richardson Plowden & Robinson, PA and a member of the Horry County Bar, South Carolina Bar, and Georgia Bar. He held Martindale Hubbell’s AV preeminent rating for ethical standards and legal ability and was awarded the designation of Super Lawyer, recognizing that Doug attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

He was a prolific litigator, touting an outstanding trial record in state and federal court. Doug was one of the most even-keeled and level-headed persons anyone could have ever met. He had a way of calming others around him, bringing everyone back down to earth, and thinking about things logically and realistically.

Although Doug was more reserved by nature, he was drily funny, and he was a great storyteller. Doug’s stories were always entertaining and often unbelievable, except for the fact that they would often be true and based on people and actual situations he had encountered.

He was always thinking of others and never rushed to judge. Doug truly lived by the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, and he was at his core an incredibly honest and fair person. Professionally and personally, he was fair. He was the kind of person you would want as your friend and as your attorney. 

Even when Doug became sick, he was composed and serene in dealing with his diagnosis. In his own way, with his calm demeanor, Doug was telling everyone around him that it was okay, that he knew his path, and he was at peace with it. Even to the end, he was always thinking of others-- the calm in the center of the storm. 

His family and friends will certainly miss his calm demeanor, his caring nature, and his stories. We are all better for having known him. 

The family will receive visitors at McMillan-Small Funeral Home, 910 67th Ave N., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Friday May 13th from 5:00-7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at First United Methodist Church, 901 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Saturday May 14th at 11:00 am. The service will be live streamed for those who are not able to attend in person. To access the live stream, please visit the “Myrtle Beach First United Methodist Church” Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Doug’s passion for missions by making a donation to First United Methodist Church with a memo for “Doug Baxter Mission Fund” mailed to:

First United Methodist Church

PO Box 1367

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29578.

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