M. Douglas Saxon
M. Douglas Saxon, 89, of Monticello, known affectionately to all as “Brother Doug,” was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 29, 2022. He passed peacefully at home with his three girls by his side. A graveside service was held April 2 at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Monticello. Sebrell Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Brother Doug was born on Jan. 4, 1933, in Simpson County, the son of the late William H. Saxon and Halabele Bynum Saxon. The oldest of 10 children, with the Great Depression much a part of life, his family had hard times, and he endured and persevered through many hardships and pains that he never shared; however, these times remained in his memory. In 1952, he graduated from Mount Olive High School and continued his education, surrendering his life to the Lord, earning his seminary degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a graduate of William Carey College.
Brother Doug loved the Lord and served as a minister of the Gospel in Southern Baptist Churches in Texas, Ohio, and Mississippi, spending most of his years of ministry throughout Lawrence County.
He was a man of many stories, full of trivia, history, and tidbits of advice, and often jokes. He loved to “fix” things that were broken or not. Most of all he loved the Lord and spreading His word. He never wanted to miss a chance to meet a stranger and share Jesus.
Brother Doug was active and healthy until his diagnosis of cancer at 86.
He will most be remembered as a beloved husband, a cherished father, a devoted grandfather, and loving brother. He will also be remembered as a teacher and minister who loved and served the Lord.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Don, Audra, Howard, and Evelyn.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Marie Raynor Saxon, of Monticello; daughters, Joan Saxon, of Brandon; Myrna Saxon, of Madison; and Sandra Saxon Lewis and her husband, John, of Kingwood, Texas; grandson, Will Lewis (Rosemary), of Montgomery, Ala.; granddaughter, Alexandra, of Kingwood, Texas; great-grandson, Jack, of Kingwood, Texas; brother, Gerald Saxon, of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister, Sue Adcock, of Vicksburg; sister, Bonnie Wagstaff, of Raleigh; sisters, Dauvice Berry, of Edwards; and Dora Husband, of Brandon; and numerous nieces and nephews.