The fertilizer industry mourns the loss of industry veteran and long-time friend, Dr. John Douglas, 85. The much beloved Dr. Douglas, with wife Ardy at his side, was a staple at major industry conferences for decades. A firm hand shake and smile from the ever optimistic Dr. Douglas were always treasured moments at such meetings.
Colonel John R. Douglas, USAF (ret.) Ph.D., died Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2009. Born in Mount Pleasant, Tenn., on May 13, 1923, to John R. Douglas and Emma Trice Douglas, he graduated from Columbia High School. He served as an engineering officer with the Air Force in the Pacific during World War II.
He graduated from Harvard University and went to work for TVA in Knoxville and then in Muscle Shoals, during which time he earned his Doctorate in economics from Iowa State, retiring in 1985 from the position of assistant director of the Fertilizer Development Center.
After his retirement he became a consultant to the fertilizer industry and financial institutions, a third career at which he worked right up until the time of his death.
Douglas retired from the Air Force after 31 years. He formed and was the first commanding officer of the 119th Tennessee Air National Guard in Knoxville. His service spanned four wars: World War II, Korean, three tours of duty in Vietnam, and an assignment with the State Department during the Israeli Seven Day War. Douglas lived, worked, and served in many countries during his careers in the military and with TVA.
Douglas was a racing enthusiast at the highest level as a former owner and sponsor of both INDY 500 and ARCA race cars.
Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Ardinelle Dugan Douglas; sons, John R. Douglas III, Ronald Douglas, Michael Douglas, Stan Shepherd, and Jerry Shepherd; daughters, Becky McKinney and Jill Spurling; grandchildren, Lindsey and Ashley Cundiff, Mark Douglas, Ron Douglas, James, Thomas, and Megan Cherry, Sharon Moore, and Terry Arcasia; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Spry-Williams Funeral Home, Florence, Alabama. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens Mausoleum chapel, Florence, with full military honors.
Charles Whittington and David Ellis will officiate.
Memorials may be made to Heifer International, P.O. Box 6021, Albert Lea, Minn. 56007-6621.
Spry-Williams Funeral Home is directing. Their number is 256-764-6401.