Douglas Michael Symons, age 66, went to Heaven into the arms of his Savior, Jesus, on Christmas Day. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023. Visitation will be at 10:00 am with the service at 11:00 am at West Ridge Church, 3522 Hiram Acworth Hwy, Dallas, GA 30157.
Doug was preceded in death by his father, Keith Symons, and his mother, Bettie Symons. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Glenn Hand, Sr.
Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Debbie, his son, Michael Symons (Heather) of Ashburn, VA, daughter, Kerri Barton (Neil) of Marietta, GA, grandchildren, Brynn, Ethan, Brooke and Isaac, brother Jim (Vickie) Symons of Florence, SC, mother-in-law, Dorothy Hand, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Randy and Sandy Bloom and Glenn and Christine Hand, several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews; all of whom he loved very much.
Doug was a native of Detroit, MI. He started his career in advertising with Kenyon & Eckhardt in 1979 and was on the team that introduced the Plymouth Voyager in 1984. He enjoyed his tenure at what became Bozell, Inc. for 16 years. In 1995 he joined The Family Channel (International Family Entertainment) as Vice President Marketing in Virginia Beach, VA. After The Family Channel, Doug started his own marketing agency, Creative Light, Inc. He always said he had the best job with great friends and clients. He retired in 2016.
He faithfully served the Lord in many capacities at Temple Baptist Church in Redford Twp, MI and
First Baptist Church Norfolk, VA. He taught The Grace Bible Class at FBCN and it was one of the greatest joys in his life. Together the Grace Bible Class did many community projects spreading the love of Jesus. One strong passion was the opportunity for the Grace Bible Class to make an eternal impact partnering with International Cooperating Ministries funding churches and chapels across the globe. Over 48 projects have been completed to date through friends of the Grace Bible Class.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to International Cooperating Ministries (ICM), 1901 North Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666 (
https://www.icm.org/
) to build a church in an area to be determined. Please write “In Memory of Doug Symons” on the memo (gift notes) line.
Our family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Horizons at The Oaks at West Cobb including but not only, Ashley Lassiter, Penny Williams, Mary, Rochelle, Patience, Blessing, Donique and many others. The Inspire Hospice staff were wonderful as well, Candace, Sarah, Sheila and others. Thank you for your tender care of Doug. We are also so grateful to so many friends, new and old, who came to visit Doug at our home. He so enjoyed the time together.
Link to Doug’s story, “The Hand of God and Me”
https://indd.adobe.com/view/94a05f8d-4808-46a1-849d-1f6a93fc8d47