Douglas Jeffery Burrell, Sr.

Douglas Jeffery Burrell, Sr., age 76, of Baldwin, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Doug was born on July 30, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Henry and Cleta Allen Burrell. In addition to his parents, his sister, Patricia Hill, and brother, Davis Burrell preceded him in death. Doug proudly served in the United States Navy for nine and half years on six deployments in nuclear submarines and for five years in the National Guard, including one deployment. A nuclear-trained sailor, Doug continued to work in Health Physics and the nuclear field for over 50 years. In his youth, he was a competitive track runner and an All-State football player at Tallulah Falls High School. His athleticism and love of running continued throughout his adult life, completing numerous Peachtree Road Races and a marathon. His passion for running passed on to his children and grandchildren. Doug was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, where he was an ordained deacon and usher. He cherished the simple pleasures of life, finding immense joy in spending time with his family, exploring the scenic North Georgia mountains, admiring a beautiful sunset, and indulging in his favorite treat; a big bowl of chocolate ice cream…or two. Doug thoroughly enjoyed 70’s disco and Bluegrass music. If there was a dance floor, he could be seen cutting a rug. Doug will be remembered for the joy and laughter he brought to all who knew him and for his infectious sense of humor and ability to lighten any situation.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy Rickman Burrell, of Baldwin; daughter, Dawn Burrell, of Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Johnnie Marshburn, of Harrells, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Jennifer Burrell, of Bristow, VA; daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Jeremy Davis, of Valdosta; ten grandchildren, Abby, Hannah (Caz), Christopher (Drake), Samantha (Josh), Victoria, Trey, Elizabeth, Thomas, Emma, and Noah; great-grandchildren, Aleigha, Mayzie, Greyson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Cornelia with Dr. Logan Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, 325 Oak Street, Cornelia, Georgia 30535.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-1700.