Douglas Jernigan

Doug Jernigan, 92, of Coffee County, Tennessee, passed away on September 11, 2023, in Atlanta, GA.

He will be remembered as a gregarious man who loved music, laughter, and spending time with family and friends.

Doug was married to the love of his life, Melba Tillman, for 67 years, and both lived a full life together.

Doug had a deep passion for music throughout his life. He was a talented guitarist and singer, always ready to provide a song whenever needed. His love for music was passed on to his namesake, Doug Jr., who is a published singer/songwriter and continues to perform today. Doug also recognized and nurtured his children's and grandchildren's passions, providing them with tools to feed their creative pursuits, such as 35mm cameras, Gibson guitars, computers, and drawing lessons.

After suffering a heart attack at 54, Doug retired and embarked on extensive travels around the world with his wife, Melba.

In addition to music, Doug had a passion for flying. He was a private pilot and owned several small planes, thoroughly enjoying the freedom and thrill of being in the sky. He was an inventive craftsman making furniture to whimsical whirligigs. He also wrote two books of remembrance (From Whence I Came and Stories from My Years)

Doug is survived by his daughter Deborah Hunter (Jon), his sons Douglas Jernigan Jr. (Lisa), James Jernigan (Melissa), Chris Jernigan (Sherry), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Melba Jernigan, father Irocus Jernigan, mother Minnie Lee Jernigan, sister Kathleen Jernigan, brother Gerald Jernigan, sister Marie Stidham, brother Irocus Jernigan Jr., sister Bibby Johnson, and sister Izzie Wilkinson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital (Stjude.org)in memory of Doug Jernigan.

Doug Jernigan will be deeply missed by his family and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of love for music, laughter, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A visitation for Douglas will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mt Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM in the Chapel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sandyspringschapel.com for the Jernigan family.