Doug Turner

James Douglas “Doug” Turner entered into the presence of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his family on December 5, 2024 at his home. Born September 15, 1944 in Terrell to Shorty Lee and Mattie Henson Turner, and they both joyfully reunited with him in Heaven along with his brother, Frankie Lee Turner, sisters: Nancy Hill and Joyce Turner. Doug grew up in Terrell and graduated from THS in 1963. A few years later, in 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his nation during the Viet Nam era. He returned home and on February 14, 1970, he married the love of his life, Dolly Dennis, at Poetry United Methodist Church. Their love story was one for the ages and his quiet, humble temperament fit perfectly with Dolly’s bubbly, outgoing personality. Whenever Dolly was talking to him (or about him!), his name was always “Douglas”, and the mutual respect combined with their love for each other was a great and valuable example of Jesus’ unconditional love to all who met them. They were blessed to have two sons, Jamie and Jeb, each of which was the perfect blend of Doug and Dolly. Doug was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, each of whom Doug was immensely proud of. Doug worked as a butcher at Safeway for 27 years, and after the store's closing, he went to work at Brookshire's for 10 years until his retirement. Doug was able to lift people’s spirits with his ever-present smile and quiet humor every day. Doug and Dolly were active members at First Missionary Baptist Church for 25 years where he served in several ministries including being ordained a Deacon. He also served faithfully in the worship choir, even being named Interim Choir Director. He and Dolly then joined First Baptist Church in Terrell, becoming very active and, once again, Doug served as a Deacon and with the worship choir. While he will be remembered for many contributions to First Baptist, his work in the church kitchen will always be the lasting impression that many will recall. Cooking for any church event was the hallmark of Doug’s service to others, no matter how large or small the event. His knowledge, experience and talent for making every meal taste home made became a bit of a legend and when complimented, Doug would always tell others, “All I do, I do for the Lord!” For a brief time, he and Dolly moved to Cooper, TX to be closer to Jamie and, once again, Doug found a place to immediately serve the Lord and others as he began singing with a quartet at New Hope Church while he and Dolly made even more friends in Cooper. He loved the outdoors and when he wasn’t working or at church worshiping, he could be found hunting and fishing, often with his sons and other family at his side. Proverbs 13:22 tells us that “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” and in Doug’s case, his legacy of unconditional love and devotion to the Lord and family will be forever carried on even into countless generations after Doug's children's children until that great day when we are all united in Heaven with Doug as well as so many others who have gone on to glory in Him. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Dolly Dennis Turner; sons, Jamie Turner and wife Shelley and Jeb Turner; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; sister, Alice Durbin and brother, Jerry Turner, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, church families and a host of friends. Doug’s family would like to especially thank Joyce Salisbury and her family, New Life home Health and Trinity Hospice for all the help, prayers, and support but most of all, for loving Doug as much as his family loved him. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Terrell with interment to follow at Campground Cemetery. Doug's family will receive friends beginning at 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Tuesday, Dec. 10, at First Baptist Church. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in remembrance of Doug to the Vehicle Replacement Fund for at www.fbcterrell.org/give.

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Doug Turner

September 15, 1944 - December 5, 2024