Paul Michael Douglas

Paul Michael Douglas was born in Memphis, Tennessee on January 11, 1966 to Mr. George Robert Douglas and Mrs. Marguerite James Douglas. The love within their family of five children rooted Paul's life in love and service. He attended St. Louis Catholic School and Presbyterian Day School before following his father and brothers to Christian Brothers High School. There, he served as SGA President ("Do It with Douglas!"), enjoyed his four years on the football team as a lineman and captain, and was awarded "Most Likely to Succeed" by his peers. He remained close with his family and many of his childhood friends for the rest of his life. Like his father, sister Alice, and brother George, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied Philosophy under Professor Ralph McInerny. After three years with Westvaco and FedEx in New York City, he returned to Memphis to work for his dad and with his brother, George. He spent the rest of his career striving to lead the business with his brother and recently passed it along to the 4th generation of Douglases. George R. Douglas and Associates anticipates celebrating its 100th year in 2030. Soon after returning home from New York, he met the love of his life on a blind date at an Alabama-Memphis State football game. At the tailgate, he made her a sandwich of Pepperidge Farm thin-sliced bread, Honey Baked Ham, and Honeycup Mustard. Due to Paul's singular charm, Miller decided to move from Birmingham to Memphis, and they were married in 1994. Together, they raised two sons-John Paul and William-and made a point to spend time with their extended families on both sides in Memphis, Dallas, and Seattle as well as in Alabama. Recently, on April 23, 2024, Miller and Paul joyfully celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary. Paul's Faith as a Roman Catholic guided the trajectory of his life. His morning routine consisted of coffee and at least a half hour of silent prayer, and Sunday always included Holy Mass and family time. He taught Parish Religious Education to 7th graders at St. Louis Church for twenty years. Mary's "Fiat" left him in wonder, so he often prayed the Angelus, Rosary, and Regina Caeli. The Annunciation was a favorite Feast Day. He drank deep from the joy and wit of the author G.K. Chesterton, who once noted that "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." Nightly, he led his family in prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be) and then always asked them, "what are y'all grateful for today?" Paul's interests took him far afield to Venice and Tolkien's Middle Earth, and he was the "fixer" for family functions and trips to Greer's Ferry and Florida. But he seemed just as content to smoke a cigar with a friend on his back porch, lounge in his recliner in the den while watching college football, or read the paper at his parents' house. He always had a knack for lyrics, and he sang snippets of songs relative to whatever the moment demanded. Many found him to be a confidant and guide for their own struggles in life. For decades, he was committed to sponsoring persons from all walks of life that struggled to overcome substance abuse. He was deeply grateful for the friends he made and worked with through his program. Paul battled prostate cancer for nearly four years. In the end, he was surrounded by loved ones, and he repeatedly spoke words of gratitude for his "wonderful family." They, his friends, his co-workers, and all who knew him will greatly miss him. Those with faith may hope that a man who loved so much may go to God. Paul is preceded in death by his father, George. He is survived by his wife Miller, sons John Paul and William, mother Marguerite, aunt Julia, sisters Alice and Gargi, brothers George and David, nieces Alice, Hannah, Blanch, Kay, Addie, and nephews George, James, Maurice, Bodhi. Paul asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Birthright of Memphis. A Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home (5668 Poplar Avenue) on Monday October 14, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm. We will pray a rosary at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church (203 S White Station Road) on Tuesday October 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM. All are welcome to attend the graveside committal at Memorial Park Cemetery (5668 Poplar Avenue) following the Funeral Mass.