Douglas Patrick Clepper

Douglas Patrick Clepper was born May 30, 1947, in Wheeler County, Texas, to James Armand Clepper and Margaret DeWolfe Clepper. Doug spent the first 10 years of his life in Lubbock, Texas, before moving with his parents and two younger sisters to Sandy Springs, Georgia. He was amazed to see all the trees, hills, and lakes in Georgia instead of the dry, flat plains of West Texas. It was here that he developed his love of fishing, camping, and the outdoors — passions that ultimately led him to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

Doug graduated from Sandy Springs High School in 1965 and went on to attend Mercer University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While at Mercer, he met the love of his life, Deanna Stone of Lakeland, Georgia. They were married in 1968 before graduating in 1969, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, faith, and devotion.

Doug and Deanna moved to Augusta, Georgia after college, where Doug entered the very first class of the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. During his time there, he served as student body president. Upon receiving his DMD degree, he purchased a local dental office and began practicing dentistry in Augusta.

Dr. Clepper would go on to have an extraordinary professional career as both a dentist and dental educator, practicing for over 47 years. Not only was he an outstanding clinician, but he was also a pioneer in the field of dental implants. He began giving courses both in his office and around the country, teaching other dentists about the implant concepts and techniques he helped to revolutionize. He continued to educate, mentor, and train dentists throughout his entire career.

Dr. Clepper received the very first Outstanding Alumni Award given by the Dental School in 1987. He served as President of the Augusta Dental Society and the Eastern District of the Georgia Dental Association. He was a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Implant Dentistry.

He was also a Featured Clinician at the Hinman Dental Meeting, the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, and many other national and international meetings. In 1997, he authored the textbook Syllabus of Prosthetics for Osseointegrated Implants, which sold thousands of copies to dentists worldwide and continues to be used as a key reference text. Dr. Clepper served on the clinical faculty in the General Practice Residency Program at the Dental College and was Director of the Georgia Implant MaxiCourse for continuing education. In 2022, he was awarded the Volunteer Faculty Member of the Year Award by the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Doug was also deeply committed to his community and church. He served as President of the Augusta Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Augusta since 1974, where he served as a Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, Chair of the Nominating Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Additionally, Doug faithfully taught children and youth Sunday School throughout his years at First Baptist Church.

Doug was an avid golfer for many years, holding memberships at Augusta Country Club, Fripp Island Golf Club, and West Lake Country Club, where he served as Club President and was Super Senior Club Champion. He also had the unique experience of serving as an official scorer for the Masters Golf Tournament for over 20 years.

However, Doug’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He loved spending as much time with them as he could — from puppet shows, fishing, and golfing, to playground adventures and trips to the ice cream store. He was a devoted and loving “Granddaddy,” and his grandchildren brought him immeasurable happiness.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret Clepper of McAllen, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Deanna Stone Clepper; his children, Dr. Karen Clepper Parviainen (Peter) and Dr. Gregory Alan Clepper (Yen-Wen), both of Augusta, Georgia. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Anna Claire Parviainen, Eric Peter Parviainen, Katherine Eve Parviainen, Benjamin James Parviainen, Macy Chou Clepper, Molly Claudean Clepper, Margaret Catheryn Clepper, and Mary Claire Clepper.

He is also survived by his sisters, Rebecca Clepper Salans (Fran) of Houston, Texas, and Nyla Clepper Gordon of Brownsville, Texas, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his beloved pet beagle, Charlie.

Pallbearers are Michael Rogers, Barrett Trotter, Steven Goldberg, J. Ben Deal, Eric Parviainen, and Benjamin Parviainen. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Cason Bruker Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church of Augusta.

Doug Clepper will always be remembered for his exceptional work ethic, quiet leadership, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to his family, his patients, and his community. He had a humble spirit, a gentle strength, and a great sense of humor that brought smiles to those who knew him best. He never sought recognition, yet his life was filled with extraordinary achievements. He never asked for praise, yet he earned the admiration and respect of everyone around him. To all who knew him, he was a man of integrity, character, and faith who deeply cared for others.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday, April 28, at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors.

Funeral service will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 29, in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any donations be made to either, First Baptist Church of Augusta at 3500 Walton Way Extension Augusta, GA 30909 or The MCG Foundation in Support of the Dental College of Georgia at 720 St. Sebastion Way Suite 150 Augusta, GA 30912.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com