thing together, so this worked out well.”
“The Douthits were very active before I became
the County Extension Coordinator in 2011,” said
Tony Glover, director of the Cullman County
Extension office. “They are a great example of
what we want to accomplish through the Master
Gardener volunteer program. They have selflessly
devoted themselves to both the Master Gardener
program and the community they love. My job
would be a lot easier if we have more volunteers
like the Douthits.”
The Douthits’ said their dedication to contribut-
ing to the Masters Gardeners club was just another
commitment they had made to each other.
“Plants, flowers and nature in general bring
so much happiness to us,” said 80-year-old Pete.
“Flowers are so beautiful and require the proper
attention/knowledge to allow them the capability
to grow into a tremendous sight.”
However, until they signed up for a gardening
class together, the couple had no idea the extensive
knowledge and love to be gained in growing plants.
“We just fell in love,” said 77-year-old Donnie.
“And now we couldn’t imagine us doing anything
else with our time—the best way to put it that
bringing beauty to life for others, just to put a smile
on their face, brings a smile to our own.”
It’s no surprise to anyone who knows them that
the couple enjoys giving back to their community
through their gift of gardening. Even when they
were living in Florida they always had a love for
flowers, but never knew their fascination would
turn into something even more extensive.
Serving the community has always been a part of
the Douthits’ lives. In addition to being a firefight-
er, Pete was a paramedic in Sarasota, Fla. for more
than two decades.
“It was a challenging job, yes, but in so many
ways it was very fulfilling and rewarding,” he said.
“Being a city paramedic for 24 years, you were
always putting your life on the line, but when you
have heart for it and feel called to the profession,
that is what you do.”
Laughing, he said that in many ways being a
paramedic/firefighter prepared him for his retire-
ment years as a gardener.
“There is a lot of work that goes into the job; a lot
of sweat, tears, and teamwork….and the same can
go for planting. You really have to invest your time,
your heart and your efforts to seeing the blooming
through the process.”
His wife agreed. Always having a heart for the
outdoors and flowers, she said that she has always
enjoyed working together with her husband on
growing plants.
Together the couple has held various roles within
the Master Gardeners Association.
Pete has served as previous president of the Cull-
man Daylily Society, oversaw the Demonstration
Garden, but gave it up years ago.
The couple, both so easy to talk too and so calm,
said they couldn’t imagine spending their retire-
ment years any other way.
Glover said the Douthits, especially Pete, never
slow down. “He just takes the ball and runs with
it on projects. He is a tremendous volunteer, who
steps in without being asked and does exactly what
needs to be done.”
This photo of Donnie & Pete Douthit was taken when they
were awarded a Beautifcation Award by PALS for their
gardens.
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2020 | 15