Russell Madison Doss, 68, of Tifton, died Sunday, October 1, 2006, at Tift Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Chula. Rev. Larry Layfield and Dr. W. Ches Smith, III will officiate with burial to follow in Hickory Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Robinson, Blake Robinson, Mack Doss, Eric Goodwin, Michael Brooks, Russ Ogletree, Terrell Roberson and James Aultman. Honorary pallbearers/friends will be Patrick McDaniel, Russ Griffin, Kevin Branch, Jack Talley, Curtis Pearman, Julian Williams, Harold Sumner, Winfred Jones, James “Buck” Aultman, Dan Gibson, J. B. Womack, Hulen Jones, Donald Jones, Randall Shiver, Dr. Steve Rigdon, Dr. Richard McCullough, Mike and Brenda Fletcher, Bob Patrick, Randy Dill, Sarah Dorman, Jim Moore, Hollis Flanders, Ed and Janice Dorminey, Rosalyn Donaldson, Tony Quinney, Darrel and Ann Goodwin, Eli and Laura Kirkland, Grady Pearman, Winfred Roberson, Griffin “Tot” Graves, Sue Sirmans, Jean Moore, Janis Roberson, Nell Jones and Shirley Stripling Brown.
Mr. Doss was born on February 26, 1938 in Tift County and was the son of Mack Keith Doss, Sr. and Zema Mathis Doss, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Patty Doss
Sumner. He was a retired farmer and a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church in Chula, where he had served as a deacon of church, including the Chairmanship. He had lived in Tift County all his life. Mr. Doss graduated from Tifton High School in 1956. The current year of 2006 represents his 50-year graduation anniversary. He is well known and remembered for many things and children were his passion in life. For many children in the Tiftarea, he has been known as the “Candy Man” for years. In fact, in recent years, he had started to share his special candies with a second generation of children.
The Christmas season would also bring great joy for Mr. Doss, as he prepared his annual Christmas Lights at his farm, designed especially for his little friends. This family tradition was started in 1997, after the birth of his granddaughter, “Madison”.
Mr. Doss was a charter founder of Tiftarea Academy and he served the school for 12 years in many capacities, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees, President of the Board and he also served as interim Headmaster. He has been recognized on numerous occasions for his tremendous commitment and service to the children of Tiftarea Academy. He was recognized in April 2006 as a Lifetime Supporter of the school during the annual Grandparent’s Day festivities.
In 1994, Mr. Doss was recognized as the Soil Conservationist of the Year and he retired from farming in 1997. His love for the land and his love for people were the sources of his strength and the foundations for his faith and his character. He was a compassionate man, who loved God and his family. He was the ultimate family man. His life was all about caring for his wife of 48 years and loving his two daughters only a Daddy can. The last nine years of his life were filled with the joys that only a grandchild can bring.
Mr. Doss is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Grace Hand Doss of Tifton; a daughter and granddaughter, Lynn and Madison Thornhill of Tifton; a daughter and son-in-law, Vonda and Van Fenn of Tifton; one brother, Mack Keith Doss, Jr. of Tifton; one sister and brother-in-law, Betty Ann and Charles Robinson of Omega; one special aunt Sarah, “Aunt Susie” Doss of Tifton; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.