Irving Douglas "Doug" Foster

Irving Douglas "Doug" Foster, 76, of Pelham, Alabama passed away during his sleep and went to be with his Lord on Sunday, July 23, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne; his children, Matthew Edward of Mount Laurel, Alabama, Susan Leigh Foster of Alabaster, Alabama, and Matthew Charles of Tennessee; and five grandchildren, Cameron, William, Madison, Katherine, and Caroline "CoCo."

Doug was a pastor for 40 years, and a professional musician with a beautiful voice and a gift with all stringed instruments. He was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on August 13,1946, and was raised in Kingsport, Tennessee. After his honorable discharge as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army with two years of service, he surrendered his life to full-time Christian ministry. He served as a youth pastor and music director before becoming senior pastor at churches in Oklahoma and Texas.

In 1993, Doug and Jeanne moved to Alabama for his work at Southeastern Bible College, Birmingham. Later, he became a Development Officer at Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries, where he served before his retirement.

For 15 years, Doug traveled thousands of miles throughout Alabama as a passionate advocate for children and families. He welcomed opportunities to speak in countless churches and community groups, but he was especially effective in nurturing Baptist Children's Homes support with his amazing musical talents.

One of his long-time Development teammates, Steve Sellers, said, "When churches called the Children's Homes for a representative to speak in upcoming worship services or events, they frequently asked specifically for 'The Banjo Man.' A condition of Doug coming to their churches was often that he would play at least one of his stringed instruments and sing."

After retirement from the Children's Homes, Doug became full-time caregiver to Jeanne in her declining health. He dedicated the remaining two decades of his life to her, his children, and grandchildren.

Doug was a member of Oak Mountain Baptist Church, where he was active in the music ministry and taught several Bible classes.

All family and friends are invited to the viewing Friday, July 28, 2023 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by A Service of Remembrance for Doug at 12 noon. Burial will be at Oak Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family asks that memorial gifts be made to Alabama Baptist Children's Homes, Attn: Ministry Development, 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane, Birmingham, AL 35216. Or give at https://www.alabamachild.org/give in memory and honor of Irving Douglas Foster.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for Doug Foster's family.