Doug Shively

Douglas Armstrong Shively

March 18, 1937 — March 13, 2026

 

He was not on the list.

Douglas Armstead Shively, affectionately known to nearly everyone as “Granddad,” entered his eternal home with Jesus on March 13th at the age of 88. Born March 18, 1937, in Lexington, Kentucky, Doug lived a life marked by humility, service, and steadfast faith.

The brother of Susie Havens and the son of Ruth Higgins and Bernie Armstead Shively. Bernie, the longtime athletic director at the University of Kentucky. Doug grew up with a deep love for sports and later lettered in both football and baseball at the University of Kentucky. He started his coaching career in high school, then in college, followed by 19 seasons in the NFL and one year as the head coach of the Arizona Wranglers (USFL). Yet his greatest joy came in retirement, when he returned to what mattered most, pouring into young people. In Towns County and Hayesville, NC, he spent his later years coaching boys and girls in elementary and middle school, becoming a beloved mentor throughout those communities. To them, he wasn’t famous—he was simply Granddad. Doug also loved spending time on the golf course with his retired buddies.

He was a faithful member of McConnell Baptist Church, where he worshiped, served, and lived out his quiet, unwavering trust in the Lord. Including serving his community through delivering Meals on Wheels. His life reflected Micah 6:8: “To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patsy, and their daughter, Kelly Shively. We celebrate that he is now reunited with them.

Doug is survived by his two sons: Chip Shively (wife Janet) of Hiawassee and David Shively (wife Michele) of Dawsonville.

He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren:Jonathan (wife Kayla), Blake Shively (wife Autumn), Austin Shively (wife Anna), Brooke Shively, Katie Boyer (husband Andy), McKay Whitmire (husband Levi), and Lauren Shively.

He is also lovingly remembered by his six great‑grandchildren: Elly, Lucy, Maverick, Bowie, Lainey, and Jace.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 21st , at 11 a.m. at McConnell Baptist Church, Hiawassee, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Doug’s honor.

Shively was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, where his father, Bernie Shively, was the athletic director at the University of Kentucky from 1938 until his death in 1967. After graduating from high school, Shively enrolled at Kentucky, following in his father's footsteps, who had earned All-America honors as a member of the Fighting Illini football team in 1926. He lettered in football for three years (1956–1958) as well as in baseball.

 

Coaching career (HC unless noted)

1959    Thomas Jefferson HS (TX) (assistant)

1960–1965      Virginia Tech (assistant)

1966–1968      Kentucky (DE)

1970–1972      Clemson (LB)

1973    North Carolina (DB)

1974–1976      New Orleans Saints (LB)

1977–1982      Atlanta Falcons (LB)

1983    Arizona Wranglers

1984    San Diego Chargers (DL)

1985    Tampa Bay Buccaneers (DC/LB)

1986–1989      Houston Oilers (DL)

1990–1993      Atlanta Falcons (AHC/DEF)