Joel Douglas Rasberry, 82, of Columbus, MS, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

Born in Fayette, AL, Doug was the 7th of 8 children born to Arlington Wilson Rasberry and Velma Hindman Rasberry. Following high school, he joined the Navy and served his country faithfully. After leaving the Navy, he began a 41-year career in maintenance at various facilities, retiring from Omnova in 2003. He was the loving father of three girls- Lisa, Lori, and Leslie. In 1996, he married the love of his life, Mary Alice, and became affectionately known as "Pops" to her sons, Matt and Brad. Pops, as he was called by family and many friends, was an Alabama fan who enjoyed flying, water skiing, NASCAR, working outdoors, building model airplanes, and loving on his pets among other things. However, there was nothing Pops loved more than his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church, where he served on many teams, including the usher, security, and bereavement teams. Pops was a kind, humble, and selfless man who sought to bring joy to everyone he met. All who came in contact with Pops immediately fell in love with him because of his servant nature. Pops faced his almost 5-year cancer battle with bravery and positivity, never once complaining about his suffering. During this time, Pops formed many friendships, not the least of which was a deep relationship in which he became a father figure to Corette Sanders Lashley, who provided him excellent care in his final days.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. He is survived by his wife-Mary Alice, daughters- Lisa Nance, Lori Manley (Ben), and Leslie Kendrick  (Ken), and sons- Matt Haines (Alison), and Brad Haines. He is also survived by his sister Malinda Bobo, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be on Wednesday, July 10th, at 12:00 P.M. at Fairview Baptist Church, with a visitation preceding from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Bro. Tommy Gillon, Bro. Sammy Crawford and Dr. Matt Haines will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Brad Haines, Ken Kendrick, Tyler Kendrick, Chase Ethridge, Nathan Haines, Drew Haines, John David Haines, and Josh Haines. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mark Jordan, Coretta Sanders Lashley, David Dees, Dylan Dees, the Sandy Sanders Sunday School Class, and Tom Younger and the New Hope Class of 1959.

Special thanks go to those who provided care for him over the years, Dr. Karissa Boyd and her staff, Dr. Bart Williams and his staff, and Dr. Robert Jones and his staff.

Memorials can be made to Columbus Lowndes Humane Society, 50 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702, or Fairview Baptist Church, 127 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.