David C. Hazel, Jr.

David C. Hazel, Jr. (D.C.) was born on February 8, 1935, to the late Mr. D.C. and Mrs. Lucy Lee Johnson Hazel.  He was educated in the Dougherty County School System and was a graduate of Monroe High School. After graduation, he enlisted into the United States Navy, where he served honorably for five years and achieved a rank of E5.  He was afforded the opportunities to attend and graduate from  San Diego Junior College, Albany State College(now University) Fort Valley State College (now University), University of Georgia, and Georgia Southern University.

 

David joined Hines Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at an early age. He served as an Usher.

 

On August 15, 1967, David Hazel Jr. married the love of his life, Hilda Mosley.

 

David C. Hazel, Jr. knew that he was called to serve his community. Mr. Hazel, affectionately known as “Coach Hazel,” was a great teacher and mentor for over 40 years.  He taught at Thomasville High School and Camilla High School before committing his career to Monroe Comprehensive High School (MCHS) in Albany.  He would later become one of MCHS’s “Influential” teachers.  His passion for coaching and teaching the youth to honor and respect sportsmanship amongst each other was an inspiration for many.

 

Mr. Hazel was never too busy to enjoy all that God had for his life. When he wasn’t coaching, he enjoyed refereeing a multitude of sports for the State of Georgia.  He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and also a member of the American Legion Post 512 in Albany, GA where he enjoyed shooting pool (pool shark), playing cards, dominos, and horseshoe.

 

David C. Hazel, Jr. is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Claudia Hazel Tabor and his brother Reverend James Hazel.  He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving, caring, and devoted wife of 55 years Hilda J. Hazel; two sons: Derrick Hazel and David C. Hazel III, both of Albany, Georgia; his one and only daughter, Dawn Hazel Hightower of Atlanta, Georgia; four siblings: Ora Bullock, Nellie Thorne, Lucy Dunn, and Rodgers Hazel, all of Albany, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Nathelia Nelson, and one brother-in-law, Theodore Mosley, both of Albany, Georgia; five grandchildren: La’Chelsea (Harold) L. King of Tifton, Georgia, Preston Hazel of Shreveport, LA, Claudia Bell of Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor Hazel, and Raleigh Hazel, both of Albany, Georgia, three great-grandchildren: Trinity King, Hailey King, and Harry King, Jr. all of Tifton, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will truly miss him dearly.