Douglas Burke Horne, Jr.

Douglas Burke Horne, Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on November 12th, 2024 at the age of 78 at his home in Acworth, Georgia. Born October 9th, 1946 in Augusta, Georgia to parents Nancy and Douglas Horne, Sr., Doug grew up in East Rome, where he was known among the neighborhood kids as “Suicide Horne” for his daring antics. As he grew older, Doug channeled his boundless energy into his studies at East Rome High School, where he worked with a small group of students to study college-level science and engineering. Outside the classroom, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America, and carried their motto with him through the rest of his life: “Be prepared.” 

Doug left Rome to attend Georgia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1969. Shortly after graduation, Doug began his nearly 30 year career with Atlanta Gas Light. Over the course of his career, he became a highly regarded expert in Natural Gas fleet vehicle technology. In 2002, Doug left Atlanta Gas Light to form the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation, making him a pivotal voice for the industry in Washington D.C. His contributions to the field of natural gas vehicle technology were recognized with an award from the Canadian Standards Association in 2013. 

Even with a demanding career, Doug made time for a variety of hobbies. Throughout his life, he was an avid golfer, tennis player, and woodworker. His home study is filled floor to ceiling with the books he read voraciously– engineering manuals, woodworking guides, Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and the complete works of Stephen King. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a life-long love of reading and intellectual curiosity. Many fine pieces of his handmade furniture fill the rooms of his home, showing off his meticulous attention to detail and carefully honed skills.

Doug’s home was also filled with the laughter of his wife, children, and grandchildren who will always miss his mischievous sense of humor. He married Susan Penn on December 23rd, 1969. This December will mark their 57th anniversary. He played an active and loving role in the lives of his two children, Andy and Laura, and his three grandchildren, Abigail, Jack, and Brad. Nothing mattered more to Doug than his family. He said in the weeks before his passing, “Everything I’ve ever done, I’ve done for my family.” His generosity and kindness knew no bounds. A lover of all creatures, Doug was also a devoted caretaker to his three “doggie woggies”, Maggie, Gussie and Coconut, who could often be found napping at his side. 

His life and memory will be celebrated with a gathering of family and friends at the West Cobb Funeral Home on Friday, November 22nd, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. 

Online guest book at www.westcobbfuneralhome.com.