Doug Metzger, aged 83, was called by Jesus to his eternal home on March 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 22, 1942 in East Stroudsburg, PA. Doug lived a life defined by love, service, and ministry. Despite battling cancer for over the last twenty-five years, Doug remained devoted and passionate to his callings. His life was a testament to love, family, and serving his Lord and Savior.

Doug attended public school in East Stroudsburg, PA K-12. He would letter in three sports and be his class president. He also served the Honor Society and Student Council as president, as well as singing in the Glee Club and playing trumpet in the band. After graduation, he attended East Stroudsburg University for one year before entering the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD in 1961. At the Academy, he lettered in plebe soccer, served on the Brigade Honor Committee and was the 30th Company Commander for the winter and spring sets of his final year. He graduated on June 9, 1965 and received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He was a proud graduate.

Doug served seven years in the Navy, beginning with two years as a Surface Warfare Officer onboard the USS Gridley (DLG 21), which twice deployed to the western Pacific in support of the Vietnam War. He then schooled for six months at the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, GA where he met his wife Leslie, an officer herself. Following Supply Corps School, he spent the last five years of his naval service in the amphibious Navy at Little Creek, VA. There he served as the Supply Officer of the USS Donner (LSD 20), and then on the staff of COMPHIBLANT (Commander, Amphibious Forces, Atlantic Fleet). He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for "professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as Force Supply Inspector and Special Material Requirements Officer...from November 1969 to August 1972."

It was during his sixth year in the Navy that Doug experienced a radical Damascus Road type of Christian conversion. Within six months, he received a calling from God to enter the Gospel ministry. He resigned his commission and a year later found himself preparing for the ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX (1972-1975). He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. He returned to his hometown to pastor the First Baptist Church (1975-1977). From there he went on to pastor churches in Willingboro, NJ; Savannah, GA; Riverside, CA; and Yucaipa, CA. Pastoring was paused twice by serving his denomination at the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board in Atlanta (1981-1984) and the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta, GA (1997-2005).

Doug was known for his sweet spirit, his compassion for others, and his desire to lead people into a personal relationship with Jesus and deeper knowledge of Him. He loved God and it showed by his passion for expounding God's Word from the pulpit, and caring for and ministering to people both inside and outside the church during his over fifty years of ministry. Many he shepherded still today refer to him as their pastor.

In retirement, Doug and Leslie first made their home in Canton, GA from where Doug continued to serve the Lord as an interim pastor and fill-in Bible study leader. For the last part of retirement, they moved to Richmond Hill, GA. Racing to the finish line, Doug in recent years taught a senior adult Bible study, was a regular contributor to The Saints Prison Ministry newsletter New Creation, and this past October he shared his one last Great Commission from the Lord at his Naval Academy 60th class reunion memorial service.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Leslie and their three children: Tracey (Dale), Doug Jr. (Karolyn), and Brad (Kim), and by eight grandchildren: Kaitlin, Jacob, Julia, Luke, Ella, Reagan, Cole, and Ben.

A local visitation is planned for Sunday, March 29th, 4-6 pm in the conference room at Southside Baptist Church, Savannah GA. Doug's 'Celebration of Life' service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2:00 pm at Magnolia Church in Riverside CA. A private interment ceremony with military honors is scheduled for Friday, May 1st at the Riverside National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor be made to the Saints Prison Ministry (www.saintsprisonministry.org).