Douglass Ogden Obituary (1944 - 2026) - Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

Douglass C. Ogden June 24, 1944 - July 26, 2026 Douglass C. "Doug" Ogden, of Dataw Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on June 24, 1944, in Oakland, California, Doug lived a life defined by service, integrity, courage, and unwavering devotion to his family and country. From an early age, inspired by his father's service as a Naval Aviator during World War II, Doug dreamed of attending the United States Naval Academy. He fulfilled that dream as a proud member of the Class of 1967, an accomplishment he often described as one of the greatest achievements of his life. Following graduation, Doug served his country with distinction as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. His service included deployments aboard the USS Ault (DD-698) and combat duty in the Republic of Vietnam, where he served as an Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and later as Senior Advisor to the Vietnamese Navy. For his extraordinary valor and dedicated service, he received numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V," the Combat Action Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and many other commendations. After returning from military service, Doug earned his Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law in 1974 before beginning a distinguished 24-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During his tenure as a Special Agent and later Supervisory Special Agent, he investigated organized crime, violent crime, bank robberies, fugitives, terrorism, and public corruption. He helped coordinate FBI security planning for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, national political conventions, and other high-profile events. Among the many moments he remembered most were rescuing a kidnapping victim alive, apprehending a notorious serial bank robber, and working alongside dedicated men and women committed to justice. In retirement, Doug and his beloved wife, Denise, settled in Beaufort and later made Dataw Island their home. For twelve years he enjoyed an unexpected second career at the Rhett Gallery, where his warm personality and appreciation for art made him a favorite among visitors and friends. He also embraced retirement with enthusiasm, spending countless happy days on the golf course and enjoying the beauty and friendships of the Lowcountry. Doug and Denise were married on April 8, 1978, after meeting on a blind date just six months earlier. Their marriage of more than forty-eight years was the foundation of his life. Although they had no children of their own, Doug often joked that because Denise was an elementary school educator, he gained twenty-five new children every year. Those who knew Doug will remember his quick wit, quiet humility, and deep appreciation for friendship. He treasured the lifelong bonds formed at the Naval Academy and often said that, other than marrying Denise, graduating from Annapolis was the greatest thing he had ever done. Even after surviving a serious cardiac event later in life, he embraced each day with gratitude, believing simply that, "Life is good." His friends will especially miss seeing him with a martini or perhaps a glass of bourbon—in hand, settling into a favorite chair and beginning with, "Did I ever tell you the time..." or his legendary, "Did I ever tell you about me and Hulihan?" The stories were as much a part of Doug as his smile, and those fortunate enough to hear them know they were listening to a life well lived. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Barbara Ogden. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Denise Ogden; his brother, Jim Ogden and his wife, Valerie, of Shingle Springs, California; his brother, Peter Ogden and his wife, Kay, of Madison, Wisconsin; and his sister, Cathy Levin and her husband, Harold, of Jersey City, New Jersey. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless dear friends, fellow FBI agents, Navy shipmates, Naval Academy classmates, and members of the Dataw Island community who will miss him greatly. A memorial graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on August, 13, 2026 at the Beaufort National Cemetery 1601 Boundary St. Beaufort, SC 29902 with military honors performed by the United States Navy. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend. Following the service at 3:00 p.m., all are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life in the Carolina Ballroom on Dataw Island, where family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Doug's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Douglass' memory to The United States Navy Memorial navymemorial.org or to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund vvmf.org Bye, love you, soon see. Fair winds and following seas, Lieutenant Ogden. Your watch is complete.