Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1929
DIED
2013
Tony Douglas Obituary
Mr. Douglas had lymphoma, according to his family. He was 83.
Fort Worth figured prominently in Mr. Douglas' long career, and five decades of local country music fans enjoyed dancing to Tony Douglas and the Shrimpers in clubs or watching him in a popular block of 30-minute country music TV shows that aired Saturdays on KTVT/Channel 11, then an independent station.
He was a lifetime member of the Country Music Association in Nashville and is in the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Hayride Hall of Fame.
Mr. Douglas' first big break came in 1954 when he became a regular at Fort Worth's Cowtown Hoedown, and he recorded his first single release on the Cowtown Hoedown record label, Old Blue Monday and Echoes of You.
Born April 12, 1929, in Martins Mill, Mr. Douglas grew up singing in church and listening to the Grand Ole Opry.
During his Army service in Germany in 1952, he performed before paying audiences for the first time when he sang Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell songs.
After the war, Mr. Douglas returned to East Texas and worked for grocery stores and the gas company. He sang on Friday and Saturday nights for small-town audiences.
That changed when he began to play Fort Worth regularly at the Cowtown Hoedown, and later on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport.
In the fall of 1957, Mr. Douglas was offered a three-year contract on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, fulfilling a boyhood dream, but he turned it down when he learned the contract required him to relocate to Tennessee.
Mr. Douglas gained his first national attention in 1961 when he recorded the song Shrimpin', which gave rise to the band's permanent name of Tony Douglas and the Shrimpers.
The Shrimpers began touring after their 1962 hit His 'N Hers was released, and Mr. Douglas performed with Grand Ole Opry stars, including Ernest Tubb, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, and Leona Williams.
Mr. Douglas recorded a new album in 2010 on his own Cochise Records label called Saved The Best For Last.
A funeral was Saturday in Athens.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mim Douglas of Athens; three children; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Memories and Condolences
for Tony Douglas
13 Entries
JERRY MOON
July 7, 2018
tony was a genially nice guy my sister and brotherinlaw. lived just down theroad hwy19. from mr t;s shop' I often stopped by there and bought some yard art and some of his music tapes from tony he would always aytographthem foe me I had worked with a woman in 1966 in garland tx. that said that toney was a good friend of her and her husband their names were dee and andy Anderson. I mentioned this to tony one time and he said that that was true that andy had a band and his band played the music for his first record and that they had moved to Jackson tx about half way between canton and mabanktx. sure was sad to hear about his passing. I have a great gospel lp.album. of tonycalled O LORD MY GOD. GREAT ALBUM. TONY DID A GREAT JOB ON THIS ALBUM. JERRY MOON A COUNTRY MUSIC LOVER.
January 14, 2018
We love PapaT. He will forever be in our hearts.
Rosie Burt
May 1, 2015
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY...TONY RAN ACROSS MY MIND TONIGHT AND I DECIDED TO DO A SEARCH .. I MET HIM WHEN I WAS 13 IN 1974 AT THE JIMMY ROGERS MEMORIAL FESTIVAL STREET DANCE IN MERIDIAN MISSISSIPPI.. I HAD THE BIGGEST CRUSH ON HIM.. I GUESS NOW I CAN PUT AWAY MY TONY DOUGLAS MEMORY BOOK BUT NEVER THE MEMORIES.... HE DEFINITELY TOUCHED MY LIFE... JUST ASK MY FAMILY, ANYONE I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH , OR ANYONE IN MERIDIAN!!!!!! SUCH SWEET SWEET TIMES
July 20, 2014
And no resident will say: “I am sick…”Isa 33:24. We can be sure of this reality because God has promised as seen from his divine words about the near future; perhaps you or I may see those missing from our lives due to sickness or tragic injury that lead to death. Prayers go out to the surviving family and friends.
Lane Pruett
March 25, 2014
Mim, I'm sorry that I didn't keep in touch. My condolences to you and to the family. This is Lane... I don't know why I didn't keep in touch. I have no excuse. My heart is very heavy because of the fact that I didn't stay in touch. I'm so very sorry, Mim...
WILLIAM RHODES
October 31, 2013
MR DOUGLAS i cant express in words what your song HIS AND HERS has done for me never a greater country song i am 54 years old this song has been in my life as a young person and is still today with me you worked with my mom and stepfather one year selling christmas trees thats how i came to know your music i was only 16 then but have forgotten HIS AND HERS thank you MR DOUGLAS for this memory i will remember the rest of my LIFE GOD BLESS YOU
Gail Hitt
March 16, 2013
I know you must be singing in Gods choir now Mr. Douglas. My, my what a sweet sound it must be. Such a wonderful christain and loving family man. Your in Gods hands now my friend. God Blessed You and he will Bless Your Family...
KATHY THOMPSON
February 16, 2013
TONY,THANK YOU FOR TOUCHING MY LIFE.R.I.P.
MONROE & VALERIE BUNTYN
February 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Deborah Smith
February 3, 2013
Danced many a step to Tony's songs at Panther Hall and StageCoach. Was a really talented man but in a more important sense was a wonderful human being.
Wanda Neubauer
February 1, 2013
I remember fun times going to the Cowtown Hoedown to hear Tony Douglas sing when I was only 16 years old. The family has my deepest sympathy.
CLAUDE CHEATHEAM
February 1, 2013
I WAS ON THE "BIG D JAMBOREE" AND THE FT WORTH "COW TOWN HOEDOWN" IN THE 1950s A FEW TIMES WHEN TONY WAS ALSO PERFORMING THERE. HE WAS A GREAT GUY. MANY PEOPLE AND I WILL MISS HIM. I SYMPATHIZE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU.
Lonnie Thompson
February 1, 2013
"Mr. Nice Guy" only began to describe the greatness of this man. I treasure my memories of him so many years ago. My prayers go to the family and his many friends.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Tony Douglas's name
How to support Tony's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Tony Douglas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more