DOUGLAS PATRICK DILWORTH

On July 29th, 1952- a precocious, curious and strong- Douglas Patrick Dilworth began his journey through life.  The name Douglas historically reflects themes of strength, resilience, dedication, bravery, and commitment to service.    For over seventy-two years, Douglas graced us with his love, strength, commitment to others, creativity, resilience and bravery – especially in dealing with his illness. On January 18th, 2025 Douglas was called home from his life’s journey to rest in the presence of the Lord. Douglas was the third child born to John Dilworth, Sr. and Sallie Dilworth. His siblings were John, Jr., Lula, and James Dilworth.  In June of 1983 Douglas and Velma Roberts Smith were married. Their marriage lasted until his death. Douglas was a kind and humble soul who loved God and was baptized as a child.

Douglas’ s precocious curiosity initially developed when he barely began walking and talking. He performed an exploratory operation on his parents’ Big Ben alarm clock to find out why it was ticking. This curiosity and constant craving for learning and was never ending. He proceeded to unscrew the knobs from the doors and dismantle his father’s prize Ham radio using his fingers as screw drivers. By age five, he dug holes around the exterior of the house to see what made it stand. His extraordinary talents were recognized and encouraged. Douglas was given a box of pop cycle sticks and earned extra cash building bird houses and doing whatever was needed to help his neighbors and relatives.

In school, the coaches couldn’t ignore Douglas’s size and physical prowess.  Football was an intricate part of life from middle school until he graduated from high school. His most memorable game was when Wheatley High School was a contender for the state championship. When asked what position he played, he proudly stated that he played both sides of the ball- offensive and defensive line. Douglas came home with a dislocated collarbone from that game. When his friends teased him about looking like the hunchback, his response was – “If you think I looked bad, you should’ve seen the other guy.” Douglas graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1971. Following graduation, Douglas enrolled in St. Phillip’s College and studied Drafting where he was on the Dean’s Honor Roll. His expertise helped design senior living communities in East San Antonio which included the current Alpha Kappa Alpha apartments on East Houston Street.

Douglas’s major love and interest was cars, especially vintage cars and hot rods. Under the tutelage of his father- John, Douglas became a master mechanic when it came to automobiles.  He purchased his first car from a junk yard, rebuilt the engine, customized the interior, and drove it for years. Anything concerning cars piqued his curiosity, and Douglas always had a car project in process.    In 1974 he began working for Chisenhall Automotive and worked over forty years in the field between Chisenhall Automotive and Hot Rod Air. Chisenhall Auto provided many opportunities for his curiosity and love of automobiles to grow. While he was there, Douglas was instrumental in the development of air conditioning systems for vintage cars and hot rods that are still being used today. An article in the magazine- Corvette Fever- dated February 1991 titled, “Cooling Off the Mid-Years”, highlighted the after-market value added to 1963-1967 Sting Rays because of the air conditioning device. The article actually displayed Douglas installing the device.

Douglas’s father John had a part-time gig (in addition to his civil service job) as a celebrated local barbeque pit master. His clients included The Stock Show and Rodeo, local fairs and festivals.  Douglas had an affinity for barbeque which he acquired by accompanying his father to venues. Ironically, he was the only person who could replicate his father John’s recipes.

Douglas’s love, strength, commitment to others, creativity, resilience and bravery, came from deep within.  He was a powerful presence for all who knew him. Douglas was a dedicated husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. Douglas had a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family. Like his father had done, Douglas shared his knowledge and skills with his family members training his nieces and nephews on everything from automotive repair to football techniques. We are all grateful for the time that God allowed us to share with Douglas in our lives.

“Gratitude is the heart’s memory.” – French Proverb

Douglas was preceded in death by his father John, Sr., his mother Sallie, and his brother  John, Jr. He leaves to cherish and mourn his memories: His wife Velma, his brother James, sister Lula, his Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends and acquaintances.