Rufus Louis Douglas was born on April 10, 1956, in Sherman, Texas to the late Charles E. Douglas, Sr., and Laurene Patterson Douglas.  He was the 6th of 7 children.  He grew up in the St. John C.M.E. Church and accepted Christ at an early age.  He attended Fred Douglas Elementary School and Sherman High School until 1971.  He joined the United States Navy in July 1973 with a tour in Greece.  From 1981 – 1983, he enrolled and graduated from Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) in Waco.  He received certifications for automotive and carpentry.  He also attended Grayson County Jr. College for welding.

He married Gloria Gray on September 26, 2009.  She preceded him in death on January 15, 2011.

Rufus worked in janitorial contract services, Tyson Foods and with the cafeteria staff at Wilson N. Jones Hospital until his health began to decline.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his sister Gloria Murphy of Sherman, TX.

He is survived by his brother Charles Douglas, Jr.; sisters Marilyn Jones of Converse, TX, Eva White of Sherman, TX, Patsy White of Anna, TX, Carolyn Douglas of Sherman, TX, nephews Wesley Jones, Jr., Rodney Douglas, Christopher Douglas, Brandon Jones, Corey Douglas; nieces Angela Bothwell, Allisa Story, Ramona Bothwell, ShaRhonda Hamilton; great nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

A public visitation will be on Friday, June 16th from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Waldo Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Saturday, June 17th at 11 A.M. at Waldo Funeral Chapel with Dr. Rodney Patten officiating.  Burial will follow in the Veteran Garden at West Hill Cemetery.  Rodney Douglas, Christopher Douglas, Corey Douglas and Travis Cooper will be serving as pallbearers and Robert Lowell, Gary Lowell, Mickey Douglas, Ronnie Boyd and Ronny Fullylove as honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home.  You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com.