Pharis Throop Douglas Jr.

Pharis Throop Douglas Jr., age 88, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 14, 1937, in Nashville, he was the beloved son of Pharis Throop Douglas Sr. and Mary Alice Douglas.

A proud Nashville native, Pharis dedicated his life to faith, family, service, and community. Early in life he dedicated 9 years of his life to the National Guard. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University and went on to build a distinguished career at Vanderbilt University, where he worked as an engineer for more than 40 years. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in the construction and development of Vanderbilt’s main hospital and campus facilities. As a project manager and University Engineer, he oversaw countless projects involving heating and air systems, fire alarm systems, and campus infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on the university he faithfully served.

Pharis was a devoted member of Arlington United Methodist Church for over 80 years and represented the third generation of five generations of his family connected to the church. He served actively on the administrative and finance boards and generously gave his time and talents helping build and improve church facilities throughout the years. He also faithfully worked with the church food pantry, always willing to serve those in need within the community. His servant’s heart and dedication to his church family were evident in everything he did.

Outside of work and church, Pharis found joy in farming, golfing, playing softball, and coaching softball. He was an avid supporter of Vanderbilt athletics and loved cheering on Vanderbilt football, basketball, and baseball, as well as the Tennessee Titans. He also devoted time to his community through the Una Recreation Center, where he served on the board and helped organize and manage programs during the 1970s alongside other local fathers.

Known as a builder in every sense of the word, Pharis loved working with his hands and took pride in helping build and improve his church, his home, and the family farm. Above all else, he treasured his family and the life he built with them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lola M. Douglas; his children, Ron (Suzy) Douglas and Jennifer (Jason) Thompson; and his cherished grandchildren, Leslie Douglas, Eric Douglas, Connor Thompson, Tanner Thompson, and Bethany Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pharis Throop Douglas Sr. and Mary Alice (Douglas) Nolen; his infant son, Christopher James Douglas; his sister, Mary Ida Louise Tripp; and his infant brother, Kenneth Joseph.

Pharis will be remembered for his steadfast faith, strong work ethic, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family, church, and community. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Arlington United Methodist Church, 1360 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Pharis’s memory are kindly asked to consider donations to the Arlington United Methodist Church or Second Harvest Food Bank.