The northeast Wisconsin motorcycling community has lost a good friend to a biking accident in Maryville, Tennessee. He was my friend, too. Terry Doughty, the longtime owner and president of Harley Davidson of Appleton was stopped at a light while on his motorcycle when a woman in a pickup truck struck him from behind. Terry was later pronounced dead at a local hospital there. He was 68. You can read details HERE.
I got to know Terry fairly well while I was riding bikes from Harley of Appleton and endorsing them on WAPL for several years. Not only was he unfailingly nice to me but it seemed everyone at the dealership took their cues from him and they were all super, too. Terry made sure I had really cool Harleys to ride and even loaned me his personal customized V-rod for a fun weekend of riding to and from a blues festival. Of course, I pretended it was mine nearly the whole time unless someone asked detailed questions about it. Then I would admit it was Terry’s!
Terry was a fantastic supporter of local charities and I will forever be grateful to him for the contributions he made to our radio station’s efforts on behalf of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. I saw firsthand what kind of man he was when he befriended my pal Emily Phillip, a CHW patient who tirelessly raised funds herself for the cause and met Terry as a result. The two hit it off immediately and I think Terry practically adopted Emily as a surrogate daughter. It showed me his heart for sure.
I know that thousands of area Harley riders are feeling this loss along with me. We’ll all remember Terry for his smile, his laughter and his dedication to his customers and the brand. On behalf of everyone at the Rockin’ Apple, our condolences to Terry’s family and to everyone at Harley Davidson of Appleton.
Ride on, brother.
– Len Nelson
(photo courtesy of Terry Doughty Facebook page)
