Thomas L. Douglas
1944 ~ 2020
Date of Death: November 11, 2020
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Douglas family. Thomas’ earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Thomas L. Douglas.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Thomas Lee Douglas (aka “Tom” and to his Picket Hill friends “OOP”) was a gift from God born to the late Charley and Mary (Cooper) Douglas on Wednesday, November 15, 1944 in Van Buren, Arkansas. He was called to take his eternal rest on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Douglas and one of his brothers, Robert Douglas.
Thomas accepted Christ as his Savior at a very early age and was baptized at the Greater Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (GPR) on Riverside. He was a member of the Chapple Choir. GPR built a new church on Pickett Hill under the leadership of the late Rev. Jordan, and Tom continued to sing in the choir. He also served as an Usher under the direction of President Mary Francis Willis. He attended the public Schools in Van Buren; Douglas Elementary and Van Buren Junior High. Tom retired after 32 years of working for Arkhola Sand & Gravel, later known as APAC. He was the head front-end operator and was loved by all of his co-workers. Every year he received valuable gifts for Safety Award of the Year. Tom was a dedicated hard worker for his family.
Thomas truly enjoyed & loved his family. He was the oldest of ten siblings; he also cherished. Tom married Mamie Norwood, and they were able to enjoy 53 years of love. They were blessed to have three children in their union. Tom expressed his love to Mamie by aggravating and teasing her. He relished the times spent with his grand and great-children. He always took any and every opportunity to brag about them to everyone he connected with in life.
Thomas loved being the center of attention. He enjoyed his hobbies and activities that consisted of being outside (playing baseball, riding horses, and gardening). He never missed the chance to hang-out and socialize with his family and friends. Out of all the activities, Tom loved “FISHING”. He loved going fishing with his two buddies; Muriel Willis or James “Peewee” Christian”.
Thomas will be forever cherished and remembered by loving wife, Mamie Douglas; his son, Jerry Douglas both of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his daughter, Hazel (Marvin) Verser of Little Rock, Arkansas; his three brothers, Ronnie Douglas of Omaha, Nebraska, Mark (Anner) Douglas of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Paul Douglas of Jersey City, New Jersey; five sisters, Charlie (Cheikh) Phame of Jersey City, New Jersey, Bonnie Douglas of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Reid Douglas of Little Rock, Arkansas, Robin (Orlando) Freeman of Benton, Arkansas, and Alice Douglas of Indianapolis, Indiana; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, many other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, November 20, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Greater Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Van Buren, Arkansas 72956.
Committal service and final resting place will be at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Van Buren, Arkansas.