Douglas Franklin Ferrell

Douglas "Doug" Franklin Ferrell, 68, of Centerville, Georgia passed away on Friday, December 20th, 2024. A memorial service to honor his life will be held on January 18th, 2025, at Shalom Macon, 6733 New Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210, at 2PM.
Doug was born in Machida, Tokyo, Japan on March 18, 1956, to the late Cecil Bradley Ferrell and Tomiko Yamada Ferrell. He graduated from Kendrick High School in Columbus, GA in 1974 and set to work to build a respectable life for himself. He spent some time attending Columbus State University, but ultimately, his love for movies and pizza guided much of his career path, leading him into management positions at Mazzio's Pizza, ShowBiz Pizza, Blockbuster Video, and Papa John's Pizza. He also was owner of his own small pizza business in Columbus, GA called Mama U Bake, and a part-owner in the Papa John's Pizza franchise for middle Georgia before retiring to pursue his dream of less desk work and more hands-on pursuits. In retirement, he became a small business owner once again, opening a retail equipment and fixture company called JCA Installations, but eventually settled into the role of field service manager with QualServ Solutions, a job he enjoyed working with his best friend, Dave Hazen, and from which he ultimately retired once his health began to fade. Doug was a hard-worker his entire life, always looking for whatever business venture would most benefit his family.
Doug enjoyed being a wisecracker. His antics started at an early age, when he would make his sisters giggle uncontrollably, most often in the middle of dinner, and most often resulting in a trip to timeout until they could gather control of themselves, at which point they would be allowed to come back to the dinner table. As he aged, his sense of humor changed from silly to dry and sarcastic, often making quick-witted quips that sent his children and wife into shocked laughter or mortified eye-rolling. The more embarrassing the comment, the more enjoyable it was for him! His laugh was infectious and full-bodied.
Doug was suave and supercool, especially in his early years. He acquired a substantial record collection in his early 20s and loved to jam out to Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Steely Dan, the Allman Brother, and Simon and Garfunkel, to name a few. He always presented himself in a well put together manner, sporting stylish garb and well-manicured hair. There was almost never a time when he left that house that he didn't have on a collared shirt or a sports jacket. He was once mistaken for a doctor at the birth of his first grandchild, a mistaken identity he was super proud of. Even as a teenager, he had his own style, sporting long, thick, flowing hair. As a corporate employee, he had to trim his hair above his collar, but he longed to grow his hair back out one day, although he never did.
Doug was a life-long learner. Although he never graduated from college, he threw himself into reading and teaching himself the skills he needed to be successful at whatever he was after. His bookshelves were lined with everything from Tolstoy to a series of "For Dummies" books.
Doug loved to cook, but more than that, he loved to eat. If there was an opportunity to share a meal with his friends and family, he would embrace it. Holidays were filled with a mixture of traditional Japanese dishes, Southern foods, and more than likely, Church's Chicken or Captain D's. As much as he loved a homemade meal, he also loved a good buffet. No one could cook a piece of meat the way that he did, and pizza was always his go-to meal. Nothing was better than a pizza and movie night, especially if he could watch a movie with his kids and relish in them enjoying it as much as he did.
Doug found a home in the church and enjoyed becoming part of Tres Dias where he spent countless hours attending weekend retreats and building a community of lifelong friends. His work with Tres Dias brought him a sense of belonging, a dedication to service, and so much joy.
More than anything, Doug was a good man who loved his family above all else. He celebrated his Japanese heritage and worked hard to make his parents proud. He was always concerned about the well-being of his sisters, only wanting happiness for each of them, and feeling a sense of protection for them, as brothers tend to do. He never ceased to brag about how proud he was of his children and his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He loved that his children found success, love, and happiness, and in his eyes, they could do no wrong. He always tried his best to give his wife everything he could and was in awe of the amazing mother she is. He always thought of her as having the biggest heart. She was his partner and the love of his life.
There was never a time that Doug failed to end a conversation with "I love you" or "I am proud of you, honey." He tried his best to always let his family know how much they meant to him, which was the world. His absence leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who love him. He will be truly missed.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 22 years, Jennifer Johnson Ferrell; his three sons, Joshua L. Leitzke (Lauren), Evans B. Ferrell (Hannah), and Caleb M. Ferrell; his daughter, Jamie L. Pepper (Cole); his step-daughter, Aleyiah N. Johnson; and his two sisters, Linda M. Ferrell (Donald) and Sandra F. Beidler (David). He is also survived by two granddaughters, Ellie and Addison, and two grandsons, Carson and Asa, as well as a niece, Ashley (Daniel); a nephew, Jeremy; two grand-nieces, Madeline and Kaitlyn; a grand-nephew, Ben; and a host of extended family.
In lieu of flowers, Doug would have liked that you make a donation in his honor to a charity of your choice. He wasn't a big fan of flowers. He would rather the money go toward something useful.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at
Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services has the honor of being entrusted with arrangements.