Douglas Lauren Savell

Douglas Lauren Savell of Prattville entered God’s kingdom in heaven on Friday, October 13. He was born in Vardaman, Mississippi on August 23, 1948. He is survived by his wife, Sue, his “Suzy Q”, and two daughters, Laurie (Walt) Johnsey and Mandy (Jeff) Moody, as well as five grandchildren whom he adored: Pratt, Ollie, Newton, Savell, and Lela. Doug is also survived by brother Van (Shirley) Savell, sister-in-law Bettye Savell, his mother-in-law, Marguerite West, sister-in-law Anne (David) Smith. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Carmen and Gwendolyn Savell, and his brother Rick Savell. Doug moved around several places in Mississippi as a child following pastoral appointments for his father before graduating from Rosedale High School in Rosedale, MS. He attended Delta State College where he met Sue. He joined the Air Force National Guard and moved to Selma before finally settling in Prattville while working at Gunter Annex, eventually holding the position of Dean of the College of Enlisted Professionals and earning his Ed.D at Auburn University. As a long time deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Prattville, Doug exemplified both sharing the Word of the Lord clearly and effectively and serving others with his gifts. He was always available with a helping hand and a tremendous knowledge of how to fix anything. If he didn’t know, he would work at it until he learned. In his later years, he spent his time around Prattville helping with whatever project where he was needed, often with a wise word and an open hand. He and Sue also loved to travel to see God’s beauty and recently visited places to experience his beauty in new ways, including a trip to Alaska and a driving tour of autumn in New England. Visitation will be held at 9:30 am on Wednesday, October 18, at First Baptist Church in Prattville. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00. “Death has been swallowed up in victory” 1 Corinthians 15:54. We miss you, Doug. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to First Baptist Church Missions and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Douglas Lauren Savell

August 23, 1948 - October 13, 2017