Doug Polk

Douglas Dale Polk, Sr., age 80, a dedicated servant of the Lord, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family and the presence of the Lord. Doug lived a life dedicated to music, ministry, and his family.

Born in Prentiss, MS on December 23, 1944, he was the son of Brooks and Irene Dale Polk. After graduating from Prentiss High School in 1963, he received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Mississippi State University in 1968. After working as a Certified Land Surveyor for several years, he felt the call of the Lord to enter ministry.

Doug had a profound passion for music and ministry. His academic journey continued as he received a Bachelor of Church Music from Mississippi College and a Master of Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as a Minister of Music at Clarksdale Baptist Church in Clarksdale, MS, Whitehaven Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, and spent 15 years at Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. Known for his beautiful tenor voice, he always sought to uplift others through song, wanting Jesus to be praised above all else. Doug's devotion to music was not just a career path; it was an extension of his faith.

Doug lived the verse from Proverbs 11:30, “He that winneth souls is wise.” He was passionate about evangelism and believed in the power of prayer. He was a Bible teacher, going to Hartland Place Apartments, Lincoln Courts Apartments, the local jail and the TN Department of Corrections, winning many to salvation.

The Polks were members of West Jackson Baptist Church from 2001 – 2014, where Doug served as children’s choir director and was an active member of the sanctuary choir. In addition to his musical and teaching talents, Doug was an entrepreneur who established and operated AlphaOmegaFood.com from 2000 to 2017 and earned a Doctor of Naturopath degree. In 2006, he authored the book, “Winning the Battle for the Body: A Biblical Strategy for Nutrition and Health.”

Returning to Englewood Baptist Church in 2015, he was an active member of the adult choir and was never happier than when he was singing praises to the Lord. He taught 4th graders and Bible Drill, where he loved teaching children the Word of God, fostering a love for scripture and setting a strong example. Over the last 21 months when he was experiencing intense pain, he would deal with his pain by praising the Lord, taking his mind off himself.

Beyond his professional and personal accomplishments, Doug was known for his loving personality. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, relishing in moments such as watching them play ball and listening to their beautiful violin pieces. His hobbies included gardening, singing, bicycling, and fishing, all of which reflected his appreciation for life’s simple joys. Being a MS State graduate, he followed the Dawgs baseball and basketball closely. Reading the Bible daily, he read through this beloved book 14 times.

Those to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 50 years, Marilyn Polk of Jackson, TN; his sons, Douglas Dale Polk, Jr. (Christie) of Jackson, TN and Dean Polk (Lee) of Harvest, AL; his daughter, Daisy Polk (Cameron Hill, fiancé) of Germantown, TN; his brother, Brooks Polk, Jr. (Betty); his sisters, Donna Griffith (Jim) and Kay Garrison, and his 6 grandchildren, Gabriel, Brooks, Parker, Jude, Presley, and Ben.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jacqueline Polk and Jerry Beth Delauney.

SERVICE: The funeral service for Doug will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Englewood Baptist Church with Dr. Adam Dooley officiating. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until service time. Burial will follow at Brown’s Church Cemetery.

Those to serve as pallbearers are Brooks Polk, Gabriel Polk, Jude Polk, Parker Polk, Ben Polk, Micah Miller, Todd Miller, Cameron Hill, and Russ Miller.

The family asks that memorial donations be directed to Birth Choice, 391 Wallace Road, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at https://birthchoice.biz/give/.

Doug Polk’s legacy of love, faith, and music will continue to resonate in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but his spirit will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305 7311.668.1111 arringtonfuneraldirectors.com