Douglas Ray Pickering
Douglas Ray Pickering
Obituary
Guest Book
Douglas Pickering Obituary
Ray was a native of Collins, MS, and the second son of Jack and Mattie Vaughn Pickering. Ray was a graduate of Collins High School. He also attended Hinds Community College. He served 4 years of active duty in the Navy with 26 years in the Navy Reserve Center in Jackson, MS. Ray served on the USS Buchanan and the USS Bausell. A few of his temporary duty status were time on board the aircraft carriers of the USS John Stennis, USS Ronald Ragan, and USS Gerald R. Ford.
Ray served 30 years in the natural gas industry with MS Valley Gas Co., which was later named Atmos Energy Corp. His many jobs included Service, Construction, Measurement Dept., Human Resources, Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Area Manager of North, MS.
Ray's life was devoted to serving his Lord at First Baptist Church in Jackson for 30 years and for 10 years at First Baptist Church of Madison, MS.
Ray was a faithful life member of the Ole Miss Loyalty Foundation where he purchased football tickets for 53 years. He enjoyed rotary clubs, Jackson Touchdown Club, and Ducks Unlimited. Ray and Carol raised registered Brangus bulls for breeding purposes for 19 years. As a cattleman and a diligent worker, he and Carol made time for another animal, "Sefis," their male cat for many years.
Carol and Ray loved to travel. They traveled to around 45 out of 192 countries including Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Spain (the bull run was fun) and Great Britan. Out of all the places they visited, Ray and Carol thought Collins, MS was the best.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his parents, Jack and Mattie Nell Pickering; stepmother, Lois Pickering; brother Randy; and his niece, Amanda Faler.
Ray is survived by two sisters, Jackie (Bob) Faler and Brenda (Don) Chisnell; his brother Ralph (Carol) Pickering; two stepsons, Kevin (Gayle) Manton, and Kyle Manton; plus many nieces and nephews.
The family will be holding a memorial service at a time to be determined.
Ray will be missed by many.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Steve Lavinghouze
September 2, 2025
Sure sorry to hear about Ray. He was my good friend and
To all of our family. True rebel he
Was and will be missed. Rest in
Peace Ray. True godly man.
Steve and Laura Lavinghouze.
Just now finding out about Ray.
Ronnie Agnew
February 16, 2025
One could not have a better friend than Ray. When I lived in Madison, I was a frequent visitor to the coffee club at McDonald´s. We enjoyed many laughs and I took great joy listening as Ray and his pals took playful jabs at one another. Ray loved Ole Miss football whether the team was good or bad. He loved his friends. He loved his family. And he showed me that people from completely different worlds could be friends who cared deeply for each other. I´ve lost a friend, and that breaks my heart.
David Summers
February 3, 2025
I served with Ray for several years in the US Naval Reserve down at the old reserve center on Pearl street. We became good friends back in the 70's, and have remained so since then. I attended his famous "coffee club" a few times when I would be in town visiting my parents. Ray loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and Ole Miss. Ray and Carol and my parents joined First Baptist Church in Madison on the same Sunday evening, and were in the same Sunday School class. He was a good friend and a faithful servant, and will be missed by many people. God Bless Him! -- David Summers
Bill Sturdivant
January 18, 2025
So sorry and shocked to hear of Mr. Rays passing. He was a good friend, unique individual and a fierce Ole Miss supporter. He will be sorely missed and often remembered by all of us who regularly attended the Breakfast Club.(coffee group) Bill Sturdivant
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Hal Creel
January 14, 2025
Good friend and fellow veteran. Ate with Ray almost every Monday with our Ole Miss group. Will miss Ray.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
425 Northpark Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Make a Donation
in Douglas Pickering's name
People and places connected with Douglas
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Douglas's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Douglas Pickering'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
