Douglas Highsmith III

Douglas Lee Highsmith III of Meriden, CT rested from his earthly labors on April 4, 2024. He was born on April 22, 1970, in Jamaica, Queens New York. Doug was the son of Douglas Lee Jr and Jennifer (Perez) Highsmith of Middletown. He was raised in Middletown, CT, for most of his young life. Doug graduated from Middletown High School in 1988. He was reared and raised up attending Mount Hope FBH Church under Pastor M.E. Young. During his later years he became a member of True Vine Church of Portland, CT. under Pastor Nathaniel Fountain Sr. Doug worked as a "Direct Support Professional" at Continuum of Care in Meriden CT, where he assisted clients with their everyday needs. Doug really loved the work that he did, and he enjoyed being there for his clients. Doug thrived on helping others to help themselves! Those who really knew Doug would say that he was a people person and loved to help people and he did that until his very last day! Doug was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Douglas and Jessie (Daniels) Highsmith, maternal grandparents Julius and Catherine (Meachem) Perez, one uncle Julius (Ricky) Perez, and three aunts Carolyn (Leary) Highsmith, Mazie L. Highsmith, and Bernadette (Perez) Ellis. He leaves to cherish his memories, four sons Jaki, Marquise, Douglas IV and Jayden, four daughters Danessa, Lissette, Daisha-Lee and DeeDee, his precious grandchildren, his three brothers Dario (Monica) Highsmith, Donald (Rhea) Highsmith, and Demont (Tracee) Highsmith, one special uncle, Ron Ellis, his beloved aunts, Yvette, Diane and Margaret, his special cousins, Matthew, Susan, Dwight, Delanna, Donna, Dalisha, Tysean, Renee, Desiree, a host of cousins, too many to name, he loved them all just the same, nieces, nephews, and friends who, he considered to be family too!!! Douglas Lee Highsmith IIl aka Lil Doug, D-High, Dougie Fresh, Prince, #12, Jimmy Dixx was an athlete. In his younger years, he played baseball, basketball, and football. Prior to graduation from high school, Doug was voted team captain of the Blue Dragons football team by his teammates, who affectionately called him "My QB" and "My Left-handed QB". In his senior year in 1987, he led the Blue Dragons to a state championship win!!! As an adult, Doug continued his love for sports by paying it forward to the youth in his community. He partnered with the Meriden Boys and Girls Club, coaching several youth sports teams for many years. He was also the founder and director of Phase 12, a program that provided after-school activities and sports for children from low-income families. Coach Doug touched the hearts and lives of countless numbers of young athletes by encouraging them to never give up until they reached their goals and he then encouraged and helped them to set new goals for themselves. Coach Doug's passion for helping to foster a love for sports in children is something that will never be forgotten.

Douglas Highsmith III

April 22, 1970 - April 4, 2024