Doong, Allen Haye (Age 54)
On June 6, 2020, of Columbia, MD, after a two-year battle with cancer. Loving husband since 2001 of Nancy Snowberger Doong. Born January 3, 1966 and raised in Beltsville by the late Henry Doong Sr and Wanda Yee Doong. Beloved stepson of Jeannie Moy Doong. Inspirational brother of Hank (Susan) Doong and Teresa (Rick) Haley. Doting uncle of Simon Doong and Erika Haley. Devoted brother-in-law of Norman (Sharon) Snowberger, Larry (Beth) Snowberger, and nieces-in-law Chelsea and Emily Snowberger.
Allen was known as “Al” to everyone. The celebration of Al’s life would not be befitting without mentioning the steadfast lifelong friends Al grew up with in our wonderful town of Beltsville during the 60’s and 70’s. They were faithfully by Al’s side some 45 years later in the last days of his life: Steve McAdams; Joe Bell; Joe Burdett; Steve Gray; Al Headley; Denny Jordan; Scott Nash; John Sommerkamp; and Rick Woo.
Al Doong graduated from High Point High School Class of 1983. He earned his B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland in 1988. He then joined Banker’s Life & Casualty and was awarded Rookie Salesman of the Year in 1988.
In 1995 Al joined The Behnke Nurseries Company in Beltsville, MD, and worked his way up to the senior account specialist. He was employed at Behnke’s for the next 24 years until Behnke’s closed in 2019.
Al was a tireless and selfless volunteer and member of the following organizations: Howard County Relay for Life (was the honored guest speaker for opening the 2008 ceremonies); Howard County Chamber of Commerce (received the 2012 Ambassador of the Year Award); Laurel Board of Trade; Columbia Business Exchange Board; Perfect Networker Alliance; and The Howard County Leadership Council.
Al played league softball in Prince George’s County and later in Howard County when he and Nancy moved to Columbia in 2001. He had a love and passion for the game beyond the final score. Al cherished how the event brought family and friends together and opened the door for new and lasting friendships. Over the next 19 years Al would become an unprecedented ambassador for the game as a player, coach, fundraiser, umpire, promoter, organizer, even down to raking the fields for play after a rain.
In 2008, he received the Howard County Adult Good Sport of the Year Award. In 2016 Al was inducted into the Washington Metro SlowPitch Softball Hall of Fame Inductee-Promoter which honored outstanding contribution to the growth and promotion of slow pitch softball in the Washington Metropolitan area. In September 2016 Al assumed the position of Assistant State Director for the Independent Sport Association, which he oversaw up to just a few months before his death.
Al embraced enduring personal and professional relationships. He enjoyed team environments where energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement of every member of the group is valued and praised. So, it is no surprise that Al Doong leaves an indelible imprint in the memories of many.
In Al’s final days, a large multitude of people got together and organized a drive-by to Al and Nancy’s home to give him support and let him know how he touched their lives. This parade had signs made, cars decorated, and windows down and of course made a lot of noise. Nancy helped Al to be out in their driveway, and there it was—the big magical smile of this wonderful man!
The hashtag #AlStrong came to be, and legions of people posted touching remarks describing their personal time with Al both on and off the field. Here is but one of the innumerable posts dedicated to the compassionate life of Al Doong:
The world lost a great man, so sweet and kind…his circle was one of the biggest of anyone I know! He brought people together, loved life, softball, his family, friends, and The Boss! (Bruce Springsteen). May you Rest in Peace sweet friend…until we meet again.