GCEC Mourns Doug Birmingham

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative (GCEC) is mourning the loss of longtime board member Douglas Coleman, Birmingham, 76, a lifetime resident of Wewahitchka. He died March 1, 2025.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1948, to Coleman Hooten and Irjaria Mae “Janice” Birmingham in Port St. Joe. Doug graduated from Wewahitchka High School in 1966 and attended Troy State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in history and business. He was a devoted husband and father, but his greatest love was being a granddaddy.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rebecca Birmingham; children Matthew Birmingham (Bridget) and Judith Ann Birmingham; grandchildren Breanna Wood (Buddy), Aubrey Birmingham, Emma Birmingham and Anthony Birmingham; great-granddaughter Blair Wood; sisters Galena Pippin and Connie Shavers (Morris); special nephew Ralph Rish (Kara); and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joyce Groom.

For 14 years, he owned and operated Gulf Track Service, which served as a central hub in town for morning coffee and conversation.

Doug’s life was spent in service to his community. He began his career in child protective services with the state before leaving to start Gulf Track Service in 1975. That same year, he was elected to the Wewahitchka City Commission, followed by elections to the Gulf County Board of County Commissioners in 1978, 1982, and 1986. From 1989 to 2000, he served as the chief deputy clerk of the Circuit Court of Gulf County before being elected clerk of the Circuit Court, where he served until 2004.

From 2008 to 2025, he served on the board of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. He was president of GCEC from 2018 to 2021 and retired from the board shortly before his death. 1 of his proudest civic accomplishments was helping organize and serving as president of the Wewahitchka Little League Association for 4 years. He also volunteered with the American Cancer Society, acted as chairman of the March of Dimes walk-a-thon, and served as president of the Wewahitchka Jaycees and of both the Wewahitchka and Port St. Joe Rotary clubs. Additionally, he was a member of Masonic Lodge Tupelo 289 for 50 years.

Doug had a deep love for the river and passed on that appreciation to his son and grandson. Many hours were spent fishing, hunting, socializing, and teaching his family to love it, too. He was a well-known hunting dog owner and “chief” of the Slaughter House Nation Hunting Club, where he prided himself on taking excellent care of his hunting dogs. Fun-loving and outgoing, Doug enjoyed time with friends and living life to the fullest.

Above all, Doug cherished his role as “Granddaddy.” He never missed a game, event, or ceremony. He and his grandson were regulars at the Dixie Dandy, where they’d grab a sausage biscuit on early weekend mornings before heading out to the woods to hunt. He could often be seen with a truck full of grandkids after picking them up from school or hauling them to wherever they wanted to go.

The family asks that you remember him as a good friend and amazing family man who had a positive impact on the community and the lives of all he touched. He was honorable, kind, fun, and, most of all, loved.

Services were held at the First United Methodist Church of Wewahitchka and Jehu Cemetery on March 6.