How Did Douglas McIntosh Die
Douglas Doug McIntosh left a mark as a champion basketball player and later as a devoted pastor. His life spanned athletic glory and spiritual leadership, but in 2021 his journey came to an end. Understanding how Doug McIntosh died offers not only a glimpse into the final chapters of his life but also into the impact he left behind on both the court and in his community.
From Basketball Stardom to Spiritual Calling
Born on February 20, 1945, in Oneida, Kentucky, Doug McIntosh first gained national attention as a student-athlete. Standing 6’7, he played center and power forward for UCLA under legendary coach John Wooden. He was part of two NCAA championship teams in 1964 and 1965, playing a key role as both a reserve and starter.
After his athletic career, McIntosh attended Dallas Theological Seminary and entered the ministry. He co-founded Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn, Georgia, and served faithfully for around fifty years. His devotion to faith and community defined the second half of his life.
Life with Faith, Family, and Service
Throughout his ministry, Doug was known not only for his sermons but for building community. At Cornerstone, he nurtured spiritual growth, educated members, and provided pastoral care. He and his wife Cheryl raised children Tim, Carissa, and Scott, and became pillars of support for numerous families in the Atlanta area.
In the church and his home, he represented kindness, stability, and compassion. Even after retiring from full-time ministry, Doug continued to shepherd his congregation, offering guidance and wisdom. His life was a blend of leadership, mentorship, and quiet service.
The Illness and Final Days
Health Decline and Diagnosis
In the years leading up to his death, Doug McIntosh faced health challenges. While public details were limited, official statements described it as a long illness.
The family and church community rallied around him, offering prayer, visits, and emotional support. Doug, known for his resilience and faith, faced his illness with characteristic calm and trust, maintaining spiritual focus even as his physical strength waned.
Passing at Home Surrounded by Love
On April 9, 2021, Doug McIntosh passed away at age 76. He died at home, surrounded by the comfort of family and the sense of purpose that had guided his life. The phrase after a long illness underscores a death rooted in natural causes rather than sudden tragedy.
His end came quietly but meaningfully peaceful, reflective of his character, and anchored in the values he had taught and lived by for decades.
Community Remembrance and Funeral
News of his passing reverberated through the basketball community and the faithful of Lilburn. UCLA Bruins alumni mourned the loss of one of their early championship players, recalling his contributions to the legendary Wooden era.
- Former teammates recalled Doug’s calm presence on the court and steady demeanor.
- Church members shared memories of his sermons, pastoral visits, and life advice.
- Family and friends highlighted his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
The funeral and memorial services were described as heartfelt celebrations of his life, emphasizing his dual legacy in sports and faith.
Legacy in Sports and Faith
A Champion on the Court
Doug McIntosh’s athletic achievements left a lasting imprint on UCLA’s history. Key member of the 1964 and 1965 NCAA championship teams, he scored over 543 points and secured 486 rebounds during his college career.
Pastor and Mentor
In winning souls rather than accolades, Doug’s spiritual impact was profound. He founded Cornerstone Bible Church, guided families through milestones, and taught countless individuals. His fifty-year ministry stands as a testament to lifelong dedication and inner strength.
He bridged his passion for sport with his faith, using lessons from basketball such as discipline and commitment as metaphors in sermons and leadership.
How Did Douglas McIntosh Die?
Doug McIntosh died at age 76 at his home in Lilburn, Georgia, on April 9, 2021, following a prolonged illness.
His home passing suggests he was under the care of family and perhaps hospice, surrounded by loved ones and spiritual support. The peaceful nature of his death reflects his life quiet, enduring, and purposeful.
Medical and Personal Context
While no official medical diagnosis was released, chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, or neurodegenerative disorders are common in such scenarios. Regardless of the exact illness, Doug’s passing highlights the natural end of a life well-lived and well-loved.
For his family and congregation, his death was expected yet still deeply felt. They drew comfort from his faith and the example he set, even as they mourned their loss.
Reflecting on a Well-Lived Life
- Balanced legacy: In sports, Doug stood tall on the court; in faith, he guided with humility and integrity.
- Grace in suffering: His calm acceptance of illness reflected his lived spirituality.
- Community impact: From teammates to parishioners, he left a lasting impression on many.
- Family love: Survived by wife Cheryl and their children, his death marked a transition in a life centered on home and service.
The Peaceful Passing of a Purposeful Man
Douglas McIntosh’s death on April 9, 2021, brought to close a life that bridged high-level athletics and lifelong ministry. Known for his steady presence both on the basketball court and in the church, he died at home after a long illness, surrounded by family, at the age of 76. His passing was peaceful a fitting end to a life guided by faith, discipline, and compassion.
Though he is gone, Doug’s influence lives on in the memories of his loved ones, the lives he touched through faith, and the UCLA community that still honors his contributions to championship greatness. His death reminds us that true legacy is measured not just in achievements but in how one lives and leads until the end.
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