Douglas Lee Durham

He was born on August 1, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Emmett and Hazel (McLeroy) Durham. Doug was a 1961 graduate of South Oak Cliff High School, where he enjoyed playing saxophone in the jazz band. Doug proudly served our country in the United States Army. He then went on to earn his Associates degree in Management from Texas Tech University.

Doug was simply a lover of life and was passionate about Ford, racecars, the Cowboys, deer hunting and America. He was a devoted employee of the Ford Motor Company for many years; he enjoyed working there and had a deep love for the Ford brand. He enjoyed racing and was a highly sought-after engine builder for race cars. He was a die-hard fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and cheered them on each chance he got.

More than anything, Doug was devoted to his family and his faith. Doug met his wife Sharon in Mrs. Criswell’s Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church Dallas, where he asked her to sit with him . . . . . . and the rest is history.

He was a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, where he shared the gift of his deep bass voice in the Prestonwood Choir. Doug also had a heart for serving, helping in the Senior Ministry at Prestonwood. He loved Jesus, and the joy he found in the Lord was ever-present in that big smile on his face. In addition to that smile, Doug will be remembered for his generous heart and his jolly personality. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Doug leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his wife whom he adored, Sharon Sparkman; his children, Michelle Van der Wall of Frisco, Brian Durham of Frisco, Steve (Holly) Sparkman of Pilot Point, Scott (Cathy) of Boise, Idaho and Shannon (James) McCarty of Red Oak; grandchildren, Natalie, Ginger, Jeffrey, Ryan, Reid, Jordi, Madi, Ashleigh, Madyson, Abigail, and Parker; sister, Jackie Hill of Rockwall; many nieces, nephews and friends who loved him very much; and his beloved dogs, “The Boys” Bandit and Brody.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093. Ted Dickey West Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Senior Ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church. To send condolences or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.teddickeywestfuneral.com.