Douglas G. “Doug” Babcock – 72 – of 20 Peach St., Arkport, died Tuesday afternoon (June 7, 2022) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 30, 1949, he was the son of Louis & Helen (Dexter) Babcock.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Greg Babcock and Steve Babcock.

Doug grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1967).  While in high school, he was a member of the HHS Basketball team and the HHS Golf team.

A veteran of the US Air Force, Doug served his country from 1970-1974 during the Vietnam era.  Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he resided in New Jersey for about 4 years and then returned to the Hornell area where he lived for about a year.  Moving back to Browns Mills, NJ where he resided for about 11 years, he was employed as a Mail Carrier for the US Postal Service in Browns Mills, NJ and Trenton, NJ.

In 1986, Doug moved back to the Hornell area and was employed and at the former Morrison – Knudson (M.K.) Corporation.  It was during this time that Doug met Sue, his soul mate and love of his life.  Together they faced life head on and built an everlasting love that stood the test of time.  In the early 1990s, Doug began working in the mailroom at the Rochester Post Office where he served until his retirement in 2005.  During his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf with Sue, taking trips to the beach, and watching Hallmark movies.

Doug was an avid and accomplished golfer, and a longtime member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club where he played in numerous golf leagues and won the Club Championship a few times.  He was the Tuesday night league starter for many years and a proud owner of multiple hole-in-one trophies.  He loved playing the beautiful golf courses in Myrtle Beach, SC and Florida along with many local courses.  He was a HUGE Jack Nicklaus fan and was happy to share golf tips to help improve your game and delighted in passing down his golf knowledge to his children and grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Poppy Doe.”

A lifelong sports fan, Doug enjoyed rooting for the New York Jets and the St. Louis Cardinals.  While living in New Jersey, he served as a Midget League Football Coach and a Youth Basketball Coach.  Throughout the years, Doug loved following & attending his children & grandchildren’s sporting events such as football, basketball, soccer, swimming & golf.  He loved the beach, especially Seaside Heights in New Jersey where he and Susie spent many summers with their children, playing games on the boardwalk and grabbing a orange twist at Kohrs.

In his younger years, Doug loved “shooting pool” & playing billiards.  For many years he was a fixture at Abby’s Pool Hall and Pete’s Billiards, both of Hornell.  He was also a member of the Hornell Association.  His favorite food was ice cream and he was a self-proclaimed “Ice Cream Connoisseur” who loved a good banana split, especially from The Pit Stop.  He enjoyed playing Music Trivia with his kids & grandkids, a lot of time via text at any hour of the day; it was rare that he could be stumped on any tune from any decade, especially the 50s, 60s, and 70s.  Neil Diamond, Carole King, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, and The Beatles we among his favorites; he could whistle a tune like no other.

Doug loved to reminisce about “old Hornell” and the times he spent at The Classic and Union Park, or concerts at The Beacon.  He’d often spend his afternoons reminiscing at JC’s Café “with the boys” having coffee and talking about the good old days.  He loved Christmastime and decorating for the holidays, his extensive collection of Christmas bears adorned the living room, and he’d always leave the tree up “just a little longer” to enjoy the lights.

He will truly be missed by all of his loved ones, family, and friends… near and far.

Surviving are the Love of His Life, Susan “Sue” Woughter; two sons, Brian (Kristie) Babcock of Hornell and Kevin (Lauryn) Babcock of Collingswood, NJ; one daughter, Stacey (Josh) Priar of Browns Mills, NJ; one stepson, Mike Woughter of Addison, NY; one stepdaughter, Tiffany Woughter, of Jacksonville, NC; the mother of his children, Donna (Rick Miller) Todd; 14 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews, and his beloved dog, Emma Jean.

The family of Doug Babcock will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Doug’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Doug’s service to his country as a member of the United States Air Force, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com