Douglas Clark Noelk

Hinesville, Georgia — Douglas Clark Noelk, 74, passed away on July 9, 2026.

Born on August 19, 1951, in Syracuse, New York, Doug was the son of Victor Harvey Noelk and Helen Joan (Edwards) Noelk. He was raised in Vermont and graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre in 1970.

Enlisting in 1971, Doug proudly served his country during a distinguished 24-year career in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of First Sergeant. An artilleryman by trade, he served at duty stations throughout the United States, Germany, Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus, including assignments in Texas, California, and Georgia. He deployed to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, where he led his unit. Throughout his military career, he earned numerous awards and decorations in recognition of his leadership and honorable service. He retired from his final assignment at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Georgia, in 1995.

Following his military retirement, Doug continued his lifelong commitment to public service with the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, where he served as a Star Corporal until his retirement in 2015. He was also a certified EMT and firearms instructor.

Doug was a true patriot who dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. Known for his disciplined, no-nonsense demeanor, he was a natural leader with a deep sense of duty. Beneath his tough exterior was a kind and generous heart. He was fiercely loyal to his family, his fellow soldiers, and his friends. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his beloved son, Christopher, and being Opa to his grandson, Sebastian. They meant everything to him. He was an avid fan of John Wayne movies with a lifelong interest in American history and took great pride in the traditions and values that defined his life. He will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism, steadfast character, and the love and devotion he held for those closest to him.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Ambrose Noelk of Hinesville, Georgia; his grandson, Sebastian Noelk; his brother, Bradford Noelk of Chelsea, Vermont; his sister, Molly Bucci and her husband, Jon, of Burlington, Vermont; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends from his military, law enforcement, Georgia, and Vermont communities. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Curtiss V. "Curt" Noelk.

Visitation with the family will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Carter Funeral Home, 308 W. Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, Georgia.

A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Military honors and interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Glennville, 8819 U.S. Highway 301, Glennville, Georgia.