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Douglas Childers was all about Jesus and family. He was 66 years old when he died July 13 at Holston Valley Hospital. He had only been sick a brief period of time when he died. A life cut short some would say.

But, it’s been said, “The important thing is not how many years in your life, but how much life in your years.”

Doug Childers made the most of his life and experience. “Doug loved the Lord and lived a life that reflected that love,” said his wife, Carol. “He loved to teach Sunday School and he loved music. He was faithful to his Lord and church.”

Doug was the father of two children and had two grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. He retired from the City of Johnson City as assistant director of the Water and Sewer Department. And, he always made time to do some golfing and fishing. “He enjoyed fishing; it was a year-round sport with him. He would often post pictures of his catches on Facebook, and he loved to brag about his catch,” Carol shared.

In the evening Doug enjoyed reading and oftentimes he and Carol would go to the movies. “We enjoyed the movie, but we also just enjoyed sitting in the theater together and eating popcorn,” she said with a smile.

Her description of Doug: “He was a great all-around person, who always wore a smile and had a positive attitude. He tried to see the best in everyone, and he loved to pray for people and share Jesus with them.”

Carol and Doug were married for 43 years. They first met in high school, and after high school Doug joined the Air Force. After Doug finished his tour of military duty, he returned home and they resumed dating and married. “The rest is history. We had a wonderful life together. We loved each other and our children. We tried to live for the Lord and teach our children to also live for the Lord. You never go wrong there,” she said.

As with most grandparents, Doug’s two grandchildren, 18 and 20 months, were special. “His eyes lit up when he saw them. He loved to play outside with them, especially ball. And, they loved their Poppy as much as he loved them,” shared Carol.

Doug was a faithful member of Lynn Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and teacher of the Men’s Sunday School Class. Oftentimes, he would do a devotional, which was shared on the church’s Facebook page. And, he also helped with the music from time to time.

He and his wife had attended Lynn Valley Baptist Church for about five years, and before that they were long-time members of Fairview Baptist Church.

Carol shared that Doug’s favorite Bible verse was Philppians 4:8: “Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Doug was a man of many likes and talents. “He had a smoker, and enjoyed smoking ribs and pork butt. He enjoyed family get-togethers and we had weekly get-togethers,” Carol shared. 

She also noted that after Doug’s mother passed away, he would often take his dad on weekly drives to North Carolina and various other places.

Carol said Doug took great pride in many things, including his yard. “He enjoyed working in the yard and he wanted to have the best-looking yard in the neighborhood,” Carol was quick to add.

Doug Childers was all about the things important in life – his Lord, church, and family were his priorities.

One of Doug’s favorite songs was “Home Where I Belong” by B.J. Thomas. Some of those lyrics in part say: “I’m going home, going home, where I belong. While I’m here I’ll serve him gladly, and sing him all my songs. I’m here, but not for long. And, when I’m feeling lonely, and when I’m feeling blue. It’s such a joy to know that I am only passing through. I’m headed home, going, home where I belong…”

Doug Childers is now at home. He sang about it, taught about it, and it was his hope.