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Thank you for taking a moment to read and share in honoring the life of my father, Edwin Douglas Veal Jr.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made here through GoFundMe, or you can contact me directly through the messaging option on this page for other ways to give.
For those who knew my dad—or who feel connected to our story—your love, kindness, and memories mean more than words can express. Any amount given is deeply appreciated and will go directly toward his celebration of life and the process of securing the family home that has meant so much to us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, compassion, and generosity.
With love,
Jennifer
Edwin Douglas “Little Duck” Veal Jr., 87, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025. He was born on December 14, 1937, in Jacksonville.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Douglas “Big Duck” Veal and Florence Fincher Veal, and by his beloved wife, Linda Cooley Veal. It was his sister Betty who introduced the two in 1978, and they were married the following year.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer Veal; his sisters, Betty Miller, Nancy Crews (Rick), and Terri Schrot (John); and his brother, James Veal (Lisa).
During his youth, Douglas was an active member of Boy Scout Troop 2 in Jacksonville, where he earned the ranks of First Class, Star, and Life Scout between 1950 and 1951 under the North Florida Council. He graduated from Riverside High School (formerly Robert E. Lee High School) in 1955 and was later drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably as a sergeant during the Cold War era, spending his active duty years in Germany and Italy. He continued his commitment in the Army Reserve until 1967, when he received his honorable discharge. In the years that followed, Douglas began his long career with the United States Postal Service, where he faithfully worked for 41 years.
Douglas, whom his family endearingly called “Bubba,” was a storyteller known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and ability to bring people together through his humor. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: tending to his garden with a green thumb, grilling the best barbecue, fishing whenever he could, attending classic car shows, and cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs.
Family meant everything to Douglas. One of his most cherished places was the family farm in Ocilla, Georgia, where annual reunions brought generations together. He held a deep reverence for his elders and cared for family and friends alike with compassion and devotion. He loved his home and his neighborhood, where he was affectionately known as the “mayor of the street.” He found joy in reading the daily newspaper, studying maps, and taking long drives. Douglas had a deep appreciation for nature and enjoyed exploring the beauty of the southeastern United States, especially Georgia and the Appalachian region.
Douglas and Linda were foster parents for 12 years before adopting their daughter, Jennifer, the greatest joy of their lives. He was a devoted husband and father, and the love he shared with Linda remains a lasting inspiration. Linda passed away unexpectedly in 2002. Although her loss was profound, he continued to honor her memory through the way he lived with kindness, patience, and the same steady love he gave her. He remained a constant source of encouragement for Jennifer in every stage of her life, especially in her art. His love extended to the family’s dogs and cats, who were cherished companions through the years.
He was someone you could always rely on — steady, kind, and quietly strong. His presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
As he often reminded his daughter since she was a little girl, quoting a line from a cherished storybook:
”Slow and steady, steady and slow — that’s the only way to go.”
Douglas will be dearly missed and forever remembered with love.
Obituary link:
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