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BORN
1936
DIED
2021
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Jerry Dooling Obituary
The Reverend Dr. Jerry M. Dooling, Sr. passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Dr. Jerry Dooling was born in Hartford, Alabama in 1936. His parents were Jimpsey and Johnnie Dooling. He attended the Oak Grove School and graduated from Geneva County High School, Hartford, Alabama, in 1954. Jerry was converted at the age of 16 and soon after felt God's call to preach. He attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky and graduated in 1958. Following his graduation, he attended The Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, graduating with a Master of Divinity in1961. Years later, Huntington College conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon him.
In 1961, Jerry was ordained by the United Methodist Church of The Alabama -West Florida Conference, and he received his first appointment. He began his ministry in Mobile, Alabama, at the Broad Street Methodist Church. After serving the Broad Street Methodist Church, he served the following churches: Pine Forest, Pensacola, Florida; Wetumpka First UMC; Richards Memorial UMC, Pensacola Florida; Trinity UMC, Opelika, Alabama.
In 1986 Jerry came to Dothan and served The First United Methodist Church as the Senior Pastor until 1997. He was appointed as the District Superintendent of the Dothan District until he retired in 2003. He spent 56 years in ministry, counting the 14 years after his retirement in 2003, pastoring at Sylvan Grove United Methodist Church. Jerry received many honors and awards during his Ministry. He was recognized by The Society of John Wesley Fellows for distinguished service to the United Methodist church. He also received the Denman Evangelism Award in 2010. Dr. Ellsworth Kalas stated about Dr. Dooling, "that his love for God and his day-by-day love for people was evangelism in action."
Dr. Dooling served on many boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church. He spent over 30 years on the board for the Methodist Homes for the Aging. He was always a leader and generous with his time. Hospital visitations and being available when needed were always on his agenda. He was a student who enjoyed Bible study, teaching and preaching.
Dr. Dooling is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karla Tatum Dooling; a son, Milt, a daughter, Ruth Ann; and grandson, Christopher who brought so much joy into "Pop's" life.
Karla, Milt, and Christopher want to express their deep appreciation to Stephanie Bowman and all of the staff at Wesley Place on Honeysuckle, for the many acts of kindness during Dr. Dooling's lengthy illness.
A private burial service was held for the immediate family. The Reverend Winston Jay, who has been such a faithful friend during Jerry's illness, did the committal.
Robert Byrd of Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home. www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Dooling
Sponsored by Sunset Memorial Park, Funeral Home, and Crematory - Dothan.
Penny Phillips Hamilton
August 7, 2022
I know this is over a year after Jerry´s passing. I just saw his obituary. What a wonderful boss he was @ Trinity UMC in Opelika. I will never forget typing each & every one of his sermons. What a collection he must have had over the years. Karla was always gracious & caring. Thank you for your kindness all those years ago. Please accept my condolences & prayers to all of you in the loss of your husband, Dad, & grandfather. Penny
Milton, FL
Jack Hankins
January 25, 2021
I am so grateful your Brother Dooling and his ministry at Richards Memorial UMC. Theirs was really a team of Brother Jerry and Karla! You have both been quite formative in my Faith journey. And I am soooo thankful that God allowed me to be there. Brother Jerry taught me that whatever God wanted to do in my life, that I should follow His path. That would be the best decision I could ever make and God would guide me along the way!
He was right!
Thanks be to God above for Jerry and Karla!
Jack and Angie
June Evans Carpenter
January 21, 2021
Jerry was a wonderful servant-leader when he was our pastor at 1st UMC Wetumpka and made a lifelong impact on the lives of many. There are many fond memories of his time there. Sending Karla and family much love.
Bonnie Oettinger
January 8, 2021
Karla and family, it has been written that “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” That seems so fitting for Jerry. Our Mom’s were sisters so I was blessed to know him all my life. He was always the most kind and considerate person I knew. And his faith and gifts in serving God and ministering was awe inspiring. What a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and man of God. May the Lord bless and comfort each of you during this time of grief.
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Evy Malcolm
January 6, 2021
A beautiful, loving man, with a wonderful family! While serving RMUMC, Jerry helped me through a very rough time in my life. I'm forever thankful. May God comfort and bless those who loved him at this sad time.
Derek and Sandra Hatfield-Sauls
January 6, 2021
We loved Rev. Dooling and were so blessed by his presence in our lives. Always had a special connection with him and glad he married us in 1997! We love you too Ms Karla. And Milt and Christopher. Y´all are in our prayers.
Anne Free
January 5, 2021
I´ve thought of Jerry often over the years and extend my deepest sympathy to Karla, Milt and Ruth Ann. I enjoyed being on his staff at Richards Memorial.
Gail Godwin
January 5, 2021
So sorry for his family and friends of their loss. He was my pastor at Richards Memorial United Methodist church. He was a really nice man.
Steve Spining
January 4, 2021
From time to time, God places a person in our lives who is both a mentor and a friend. Jerry Dooling was that for me. It was my sincere pleasure to serve under him at FUMC, Dothan as his youth pastor for 4 years. Jerry was an encourager and at the same time, he challenged me to step out of my comfort zone in order to make a difference for the cause of Christ. Karla and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Zanatta Hagan
January 4, 2021
There will never be another like Jerry Dooling. Touched my life in so many ways and was always there for anyone in need. Just like Karla. Much love.
Betty Sue & Tom Bruckner
January 4, 2021
Karla and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Bro. Jerry was such a wonderful man of God and we have such fond memories of him. May God grant you pece and comfort.
Spencer Turnipseed
January 4, 2021
Karla and family,
My sympathy and love is extended to you in the aftermath of Jerry's passing. He was a faithful servant. Karla, I will always feel close to you and yours because of our long-standing friendship from old Mobile days. Your mother and father were so sweet to me as a young lad in those days, and you were a dear friend of Marti's. Peace to you, now and always.
Spencer
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