James Gary Douglas

1952-2024

Sgt. James "Gary" Douglas (Googie Bear) aged 71 of Elberta, Alabama was reunited with Our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday April 20, 2024. He passed away peacefully in his home with his loving wife by his side.

Gary was born on August 3, 1952 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to parents James and Maxine Douglas.

Gary lived his life as a man of God and walked heavily in his faith. His personality was larger than life and he was highly respected by his peers. Gary attended Muskogee High School from 1968-1970 and received his GED on September 21, 1973. Gary had a passion to serve which led him to take interest in studying Law Enforcement from 1975-1976 at Central Texas College. Gary also proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and on February 6, 1976 upon completion of the Primary Noncommissioned Officer Course in Fort Hood, Texas he gained the rank of Corporal. Gary advanced to the rank of Sergeant after completing the 11E Infantry course in Bilseck, Germany on November 18, 1977. He received the Meritorious Service Medal and several Commendation Medals throughout his career in the military. Gary was honorably discharged from the United States Army on September 19, 1979, where he then relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to his sister and mother. Gary began his career in Gaming as a Dealer shortly after relocating.

During his career in 1995 as a Dealer, Gary found and later married the love of his life, Sherry Douglas. He spent the next 29 years of his life devoted to his beloved wife and family. Aside from being a devoted husband, son, father and brother; Gary enjoyed many hobbies and interests such as attending car shows, fishing, watching western movies and singing. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Gary is preceded in his passing by his father and mother; James Douglas and Opal Maxine Crane and sister, Sue Napolitano.

Gary is survived and forever loved by his wife, Sherry E. Douglas; his daughters, Denise Wells of Haskell, Oklahoma and Karrie Couch of Owasso, Oklahoma and his sons; Darren Douglas, Anson Douglas, and Adam Douglas of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Aaron Johnson of Long Beach, Mississippi. Gary is also survived by his aunts; Linda Hall of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and Janelle Yocham of Haskell, Oklahoma as well as 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Gary's final resting place will be at the Biloxi National Veterans Cemetery, as per his wishes. No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when services are scheduled.