Doug was born June 1, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Cecil Braden and the late Lotus Douglass Braden.

He received his B.S. degree from Union University, where he majored in Education-Math and Psychology. He received his master’s degree from UT Martin. Doug was a bivocational educator and church worship leader for over 46 years. He worked as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in education while serving as a worship leader in several West Tennessee churches through the years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Paris, where he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School. Doug enjoyed living on the farm. After retirement, he served on the Henry County School Board for eight years. He also enjoyed attending and supporting HCHS athletics and his Kentucky Wildcats. He was a member of the Paris-Henry County Retired Teachers Association, the Tennessee Men’s Chorale, and West Tennessee Ministers of Music vocal groups. Doug loved life, family, friends, and especially loved serving and singing.

Doug met his wife, Shirley McBride at Union University 60 years ago and they were married for 59 years. He is also survived by one daughter, Kimberley Braden (Michael) Denman; one grandson, Nelson (Megan) Denman; one granddaughter, Braden Clare Denman; one great-grandson, Beau Denman; and several special nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Doug was also preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Johnson and Susan Brindle.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St., Paris, TN. Visitation will be Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 3 – 6 pm at First Baptist Church and continue Friday, December 13, 2024, from 1 – 2 pm at First Baptist Church. The funeral service will be Friday, December 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church with Dr. Trent Bullock officiating. 

Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. 

Family members will serve as pallbearers, and members of the West Tennessee Ministers of Music and the Tennessee Baptist Men’s Chorale are named as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church or the Paris Henry County Retired Teachers Association.