Reverend Dr. Jerry M. Dooling, Sr.

The Reverend Dr. Jerry M. Dooling, Sr. passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Dr. Jerry Dooling was born in Hartford, Alabama in 1936. His parents were Jimpsey and Johnnie Dooling. He attended the Oak Grove School and graduated from Geneva County High School, Hartford, Alabama, in 1954. Jerry was converted at the age of 16 and soon after felt God’s call to preach. He attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky and graduated in 1958. Following his graduation, he attended The Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, graduating with a Master of Divinity in1961. Years later, Huntington College conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon him.

In 1961, Jerry was ordained by the United Methodist Church of The Alabama -West Florida Conference, and he received his first appointment. He began his ministry in Mobile, Alabama, at the Broad Street Methodist Church. After serving the Broad Street Methodist Church, he served the following churches: Pine Forest, Pensacola, Florida; Wetumpka First UMC; Richards Memorial UMC, Pensacola Florida; Trinity UMC, Opelika, Alabama.

In 1986 Jerry came to Dothan and served The First United Methodist Church as the Senior Pastor until 1997. He was appointed as the District Superintendent of the Dothan District until he retired in 2003. He spent 56 years in ministry, counting the 14 years after his retirement in 2003, pastoring at Sylvan Grove United Methodist Church. Jerry received many honors and awards during his Ministry. He was recognized by The Society of John Wesley Fellows for distinguished service to the United Methodist church. He also received the Denman Evangelism Award in 2010. Dr. Ellsworth Kalas stated about Dr. Dooling, “that his love for God and his day-by-day love for people was evangelism in action.”

Dr. Dooling served on many boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church. He spent over 30 years on the board for the Methodist Homes for the Aging. He was always a leader and generous with his time. Hospital visitations and being available when needed were always on his agenda. He was a student who enjoyed Bible study, teaching and preaching.

Dr. Dooling is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karla Tatum Dooling; a son, Milt, a daughter, Ruth Ann; and grandson, Christopher who brought so much joy into “Pop’s” life

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Karla, Milt, and Christopher want to express their deep appreciation to Stephanie Bowman and all of the staff at Wesley Place on Honeysuckle, for the many acts of kindness during Dr. Dooling’s lengthy illness.

A private burial service was held for the immediate family. The Reverend Winston Jay, who has been such a faithful friend during Jerry’s illness, did the committal.