Moxley was an avid fisherman and loved to take others fishing and to teach kids how to fish and tell fishing stories. One of his favorite times each year while living on Lake Seminole in Donalsonville, GA, was hosting a fishing tournament for area youth. He was a member and president of the Lake Seminole Lions Club, as well as a volunteer fireman.
His favorite time of the year was Christmas. For many years, he lit up his home with thousands of lights and decorations, while hosting Santa Claus to greet area residents and deliver gifts to all the children.
Mr. Doug lived his life to the fullest. He loved to entertain people and make them laugh. He also loved to dance and to play with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Last but not least, he loved to travel with his beloved wife of 36 years, Jackie.
Unfortunately, Doug passed away Oct. 17, 2015, at the age of 73. Just three years earlier, however, he was the subject of a feature by David Rodock in The Valdosta Daily Times. As noted by Rodock in that piece, "Lowndes County resident Doug Moxley has plenty to talk about. He's been married, raised a family, spoken at friends' funerals, traveled the country, and came out victorious from bar fights with self-proclaimed tough guys."
Rodock went on to explain that Moxley's real passion, though, could not be found on any dry land.
"He's in love with the water and the thrill of a largemouth bass struggling for life at the end of a hook. Not the metaphorical fishing trips of buddies going to Captain D's for a big 'catch,' but of Zoom watermelon red salty super flukes, Shakespeare and Carrot Sticks rods, crawfish spray cans, and 90-horsepower outboard engines.
"Magicians and anglers are notorious for keeping trade secrets to themselves," continued Rodock, "and Moxley is no exception. Friends call for tips, hidden fishing holes, and guided tours all the time. He's not opposed to teaching youngsters. He's just a bit guarded."
"A lot of people ask to go fishing, and they're ready to leave after only a couple of hours," said Moxley. "You can't expect to catch anything after a couple of hours. It takes all day."
"Moxley has been fishing his whole life," added Rodock, noting that "he was introduced to bass fishing at the age of 13. It's never been the same since.
"About 30 years ago," continued Rodock, "Moxley was introduced to a man named George Beverly, who was born and raised on the Okefenokee Swamp. He's a legend among South Georgians for his incredible ability to catch fish."
As reported by Rodock, "This dynamic fishing-duo relationship would continue for the next 22 years, until Beverly passed away in 2006. Just as they had promised each other, Moxley placed Beverly's favorite rod, reel and fishing hat in the coffin before he was buried. He built a $150 wreath, complete with fishing tackle and fishing poles."
Beverly was an amazing angler, by Moxley's account. He knew the best holes, as well as why it was important to fish two days before and after the new moon. Using a cane pole, hook and bits of handkerchief, Moxley said Beverly once caught 20 perch in less than an hour.
"At the funeral, I wanted to put a little spunk into it," said Moxley, who reminisced his final words for Beverly:
"I know where he's going. He's going to see God, and I guarantee that God's going to have him the prettiest lily-pad pond you ever seen in your life, and what upsets me is he's going to have them all caught before I get there."
During his travels across the nation during retirement, Moxley picked up all kinds of fishing memorabilia, including a wooden-boat collectible. He told the manager he wanted it, and the manager said he could have it for $1,000. Moxley said that would be fine. After calling Moxley crazy, though, the manager told him he could have it for $10.
"I just have to have it," Moxley would say about numerous objects on his bookshelf.
According to Rodock, Moxley had all sorts of bass-fishing memorabilia stored in the corner of his living room. Among his treasures were Bass Pro Shops knives, shot glasses, and mock-up Field & Stream Magazine covers. He even had one of those talking bass plaques that sings, "Take Me to the River," by Al Green. Moxley got a kick out of the electronic toy, noting that "the batteries still are going strong."
Also on display in Moxley's double-wide trailer were fishing-tournament trophies, pictures of his deceased son and daughter, plus pictures of Moxley and his brother David, including one showing them with a nice haul of fish. Even though the Moxley brothers told everyone they were twins, Douglas was actually 18 months younger than David.
Douglas also referred to his wife, Jackie, as "ma," and people often believed it for a while because she was eight years his senior. She said she told him before marriage that she'd clean his fish, and since he never had had a woman tell him that before, he knew he had to marry her. In reality, though, she never did clean any of his fish.
Moxley told Rodock a story about how he sat next to a man at a bar one evening. Seems the guy was talking about how he would go home and beat his wife if she hadn't finished her chores and how he wouldn't be paying his child support. After exchanging a few words, Moxley and this guy supposedly stepped outside, where Moxley then sucker-punched him in the ear, knocking him out cold.
"My daddy always told me to get in the first lick," said Moxley. He afterward worried the man might be out for vengeance, but there never was another encounter.
Rodock described Moxley as a "wiry figure, full of sinewy strength and vitality."
Moxley worked 32 years, climbing power poles and trees for electric companies. He said he was involved in every tornado and hurricane in the Southeast during those years.
Another tale he told was that, while at a local gym, a hulking doctor bet him $100 he couldn't bench press 300 pounds 10 times. Moxley said he did it with no problem and got his $100.
Rodock noted that Moxley often invited folks to come out and learn the fishing trade, just like Beverly had taught him over the years.
"When all is said and done, Moxley knows where he'll be," continued Rodock. "On earth, he'll lie quietly, rod and reel in hand before they close the casket. Then he'll be up in the heavens with God and his good buddy, George Beverly, fishing those beautiful lily-pad ponds and snagging those angelic monster bass."
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