Major General Douglas Stanton Metcalf, USAF (Ret.), 81, devoted husband, military leader, community servant, and longtime Winter Park resident, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Doug made every room warmer simply by being in it. He carried an easy good humor and a gift for fellowship, remembering names, stories, and exactly what made a person laugh. Beneath that warmth was a quiet confidence that put others at ease and a way of leading with both strength and humility. Whether among friends, young people looking for direction, fellow parishioners, or those who served alongside him throughout his military career, he inspired trust, respect, and lasting friendship.

Born on May 12, 1945, at Camp Mackall, NC, to Helen and George Metcalf, Doug grew up in a military family with assignments that took them across the United States and overseas, including China, Japan, and Germany. Growing up in many places helped shape the outgoing nature, adaptability, and ease with people that defined Doug throughout his life. A gifted athlete in high school, he was a Virginia state track champion in the 440-yard dash.

Doug began his military service by enlisting in the Army Reserve in 1963. He became the Cadet Colonel in Air Force ROTC at the University of Oklahoma while earning a degree in Business Administration and was subsequently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he served as an aircraft maintenance officer with AC-119 Stinger units at Phan Rang and Da Nang Air Bases. In 1973 he was singularly selected as the Air Force Junior Officer of the Year. Upon leaving active duty, he joined the Air Force Reserves, serving for the next 32 years. He attained the rank of Major General in 2001 and concluded a distinguished 36-year military career upon his retirement in 2005. His service was recognized with the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and numerous other military honors.

In civilian life, Doug enjoyed a successful career in telecommunications and business consulting. He began in the high-security industry with Mardix Corporation, where he quickly rose to become President. After Mardix was acquired by Sonitrol Systems in 1979, Doug and Linda relocated from Silicon Valley to Orlando. He later co-founded Communications Consultants, Inc., a national telecommunications consulting firm, and went on to serve as a strategic advisor to companies supporting military applications.

Service to others remained a defining feature of Doug's life. He served as a Winter Park City Commissioner from 2000 to 2008 helping guide modernization of the city's electrical infrastructure and other improvements that benefited residents for years to come. He also dedicated his time and leadership to numerous civic and charitable organizations, including the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, Rollins College, the March of Dimes, and other organizations supporting veterans and their families.

Doug's faith was central to his life. At St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, he served in prison ministry, brought Communion to the sick as a Eucharistic Minister, and supported Catholic Charities. During his years at The Mayflower Retirement Community, he continued his lifelong commitment to service as President of the Resident Council, Chair of the Facilities Operations Committee, and a founding member of the Military Observances Board.

Above all, Doug treasured his family and friendships. He and Linda shared 54 years of marriage filled with love, adventure, travel, hospitality, and a deep appreciation for good company. Together they built a life centered on faith, service, laughter, and enduring friendships. For those who knew him best, Doug was a steady source of wisdom, encouragement, good humor, and strength—a man who led by example and could always be counted on when it mattered most. He especially enjoyed encouraging young people and helping others find their own path to success and service.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda M. Metcalf; his brother, Stephen R. Metcalf of Reno, NV; his sister, Sharon L. Metcalf of Bethesda, MD; his nephew, Andrew Douglas Metcalf of Washington, D.C.; his brother-in-law, George Wingate of Auburn, CA; his nephew Dennis Wingate of Gig Harbor, WA; and his niece Nicole Wingate of San Francisco. He was preceded in death by his parents, Colonel George Thomas Metcalf and Helen Kerigan Metcalf.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on July 8, 2026, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, FL. A video stream of the service will be available on the church website. The family will hold a private interment at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation in Doug's memory. A respected colleague of Doug’s who is also a supporter of CFVMPF has generously pledged to match donations up to $10,000 in his honor. Donations may be made online-https://www.veteransmemoriallakenona.org/donate ; or by mail to CFVMPF, P.O. Box 4303, Winter Park, FL 32793-4303.

Selected Honors and Accomplishments

• Retired Major General, U.S. Air Force Reserve

• 36 years of military service

• Vietnam veteran

• Junior Air Force Officer of the Year (1973)

• Distinguished Service Medal

• Legion of Merit

• Winter Park City Commissioner and Vice Mayor (2000–2008)

• Co-founder, Communications Consultants, Inc.

• Executive Vice President, Central Florida Veterans Memorial Foundation

• Leader and volunteer in numerous veterans', civic, and church organizations