Doug grew up in Coalgate, graduating from Coalgate High School, Class of 1967. Following high school, he attended East Central University, where he played football for the ECU Tigers. Doug left college and joined the United States Navy, serving eight years. After being honorable discharged from the Navy in 1973, he took a two-year break, then joined the United States Army. While in the Army, Doug served with the MLRS Combat Unit during Desert Storm. After retiring from the Army in 1998, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and served until 2008.

In addition to his loyal and dedicated service to our country, Doug spent many years working as a copier technician for Ada Typewriter and Supplies and Miller Office Supply of Ada and Antlers.

Doug, a rather quiet man, enjoyed fishing, woodworking, making knives and gardening. He had a passion for horses and enjoyed riding. This passion was one that he shared with his daughter and many other family members and friends. He was a devoted grandfather, always supporting his grandchildren in all their sporting events.

Survivors include his wife, Joy; his daughter, Kimberly Lynn Hale and husband Shane of Dougherty; grandsons, Ray Wilson and wife Micah and Riley Wilson and fiancé Kynsie; great-grandson, Creed Michael Wilson; brother, Tim Rushing; two sisters, Billie Jean Blaylock and Nancy Trailor; Joy’s family, whom he loved dearly, two daughters, Brenda Trevathan and Melinda Guinn; son, James Dewayne Holder; eight grandchildren, Eric Trevathan and wife Jamaica, Jake Trevathan and wife Penny, Delyssa Cross and husband Corbin, Aaron Guinn, Derek Trevathan, Dakota Hawkins, Harley Lockard, and Courtney Warren (Logan Byrd); 12 great-grandchildren, Ayanna Lawrence and husband Taylor, Keyara Miller (Chase Stewart), Jody, Kaylie, Case, Tristin and Trinity Trevathan, Makayla, Jeremiah, Adyson and Kylo Cross, and Logyn Byrd; one great-great grandchild, Axton Lawrence; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Smith; his mother, Lovoyce Rushing; his stepfather who raised him, Clarence Rushing; and one sister, Shirley Allen.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Dougherty Baptist Church, with Reverend Bill Blaylock and John Rheed Hale officiating. Interment, with full military honors, followed at the Dougherty Cemetery.

Services are “entrusted” to Hale’s Funeral Home of Davis. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.