James Douglas "Doug" Grissom passed from this life and went to his eternal home on January 18, 2022. In his final days, he was surrounded by his wife, children, family, and caregivers. He was a man of strong Christian faith and a beloved husband, father, and friend.

Doug was born to James and Nell Grissom on November 27, 1949 in Bay Springs, Mississippi. He was raised in nearby Stringer and graduated from Stringer High School in 1967. In his youth, Doug was active in the community:  He went to Boys State, served as a page at the Capitol in Jackson, played the drums in a local band, kept up with the latest sports cars, and lettered in basketball and football. Doug loved sports, especially football, was the quarterback of his high school team, and always recalled fond memories of friends, teammates, coaches, and great games with rival schools.

After graduating from high school, Doug served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and separated in 1973 at the rank of sergeant (E-5). While in the service, he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Morris, of Birmingham, Alabama, on July 11, 1971. Doug and Barbara recently celebrated their 50 ^th wedding anniversary.

Following his time in the service, Doug obtained an accounting degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and his MBA from Mississippi State University. Doug became a CPA and spent most of his career as an accountant and chief financial officer for several small to mid-size companies in the gas and timber industries in Mississippi.

Doug became a Christian in 1977 and spent the remainder of his life faithfully serving God and others. In his leisure time he loved being home with his wife and children, watching movies, gardening, and coaching his kids in youth sports. He had a lifelong burden for children in difficult circumstances, the downtrodden, and anyone in need. He was generous with his time and money, often working behind the scenes to provide for the basic needs of those he met.

He had many health struggles over the years and began to decline following a stroke in 2011. He never complained but remained optimistic in the midst of trials—losing the ability to walk in his final years.  He thanked God daily for his blessings and turned his lack of mobility into an opportunity to pray faithfully on behalf of his children, grandchildren, and for any needs brought to his attention. He was especially thankful for Barbara and the wonderful, sacrificial care she provided during his times of need, and for his caregivers, Felicia, Diana, and Darlene.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Scott Cooley; son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Samantha Grissom; grandchildren, AnnClark Cooley, and Jackson, Summer, Jude, and Sophie Grissom; and sisters, Diane DeAngelo and Jane Grissom.

Doug was a member of Edon Baptist Church and served in sundry church leadership positions during his life. A memorial service will be held for Doug at Edon Baptist Church in Stringer, MS, on Saturday, January 22 ^nd . Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., the service will follow at 11, and burial will be at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Stringer. If you would like to make a donation, please consider giving to Gideons International ( https://www.sendtheword.org/ ) for the provision of Bibles in honor of his memory.