Dr. Melvin Clinton Doss
Dr. Melvin Clinton Doss, 88, of Toccoa, Georgia passed away peacefully in his home on July 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife of almost 42 years, Polly Doss, of the home; his daughter, Robyn Doss Zedack (Mike) of Woodstock, Georgia; and his son, John Clinton (Jay) Doss, of Toccoa, Georgia.
Clint was born the son of Melvin Coleman Doss and Hazel Beatrice Gilbert in Clarksdale, Mississippi on February 27, 1936. A good portion of his childhood and teenage years was spent in Carrollton, Georgia with his uncle and aunt, Howard and Inez Benson. Clint often spoke fondly of his childhood days remembering time spent with his cousins, Cliff Gilbert and Aubrey “Boo” Gilbert, and his good friend, Haywood Day, where they would spend their days in the woods catching snakes, or fishing on any pond they could find.
Clint graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where he became a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon graduating from Mercer, Clint attended the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia where he went on to earn his medical doctorate. After earning his MD, Clint joined the United States Navy, ultimately reaching the rank of Lieutenant and being stationed with the 2nd Marine Air Division as a flight surgeon in Cherry Point, North Carolina. When his service time with the Navy ended, Clint and his family moved to Toccoa where he would begin his medical career. Soon after moving to Toccoa, Clint obtained his anesthesia license, and after a long, successful career, retired as a Senior Partner and Chief of Anesthesiology with Toccoa Clinic Medical Associates.
After retirement, Clint became an avid bridge player. He played in several local bridge clubs and would frequently travel throughout the southeast to play in bridge tournaments. His skill and dedication to the game lead to Clint achieving the designation of Life Master, one of the highest honors a bridge player can receive. While he was still able, Clint would spend hours in his greenhouse where he grew orchids, Japanese maple trees, and bonsai trees. Clint also loved to fish. He took yearly salmon fishing trips to Kodiak, Alaska as well as yearly saltwater fishing trips to Tampa and Boca Raton, Florida.
Clint’s generosity and kind spirit was evident to all whose lives he touched. Clint was one of those people that others loved to see and talk to. He was a true southern gentleman in that he made everyone around him feel comfortable. His impact on people cannot be measured, but it can be heard in the kind words people have to offer when speaking of him. It is a rare occasion to go out in public and not be approached by someone that has a fond memory of him. But above all else, Clint loved his family. He cherished the time he had with his family, whether that be time spent together on Christmas Eve, or simply sitting on the front porch watching the hummingbirds. His dedication and devotion to his family was endless. His willingness to sacrifice for his family was endless. His love for his family was, and always will be, endless.
No services will be held at this time, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in Clint’s memory, please make them to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Healthwell Foundation.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net
Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Dr. Melvin Clinton Doss.