On the morning of February 28, 2021, the Lord allowed the peaceful transition of Pastor Texie J. McDougal, Sr. affectionately called “Elder Mac, GPop, Grandpa, Tex, Uncle and Dad to his heavenly home as God had the final say. Texie was born on March 5, 1931 in Broadway, North Carolina to the late Mr. John Gilmore and Mrs. Leanna Douglas. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Elizabeth, and brother, Carlton McDougald. Additional siblings include Sarah and Margarette Gilmore, status/demographics unknown. Texie attended Shawtown High School in North Carolina but was unable to complete, as he had to work to help his mother support the family. He then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving 4 years and receiving an honorable discharge in 1955. Texie met the love of his life, the late Elizabeth McDougal while stationed at Barksdale Air Force base in Shreveport, Louisiana. They were married on December 6, 1953, remaining together for 65 years, until God called her home on October 26, 2018. After leaving the Air Force, Texie and Elizabeth moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut. There, Texie gave his life to Christ and became an evangelistic minister at Turner’s Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, International, under the leadership of the late Bishop Alonzo T. Turner. Texie’s determination to succeed in spite of the socioeconomic limitations placed on people of color, caused him to move his family often, seeking better opportunities. Following the Lord, the family lived in Connecticut, Louisiana, Texas and North Carolina, finally settling in Portsmouth Virginia, where Texie became the founding Pastor of Soul’s Paradise C.O.G.I.C.J., remaining until his death. Texie also spent 20+ years as a machinist at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he received awards for inventions enhancing the shipyard’s capabilities. His career at the shipyard, afforded him the ability to purchase a house, raise 10 children, have a stay-at-home wife, and found a church, all on less than a high school diploma. In order to maintain connections with family, there was no distance too far to travel. His children looked forward to those trips every summer, to connect with family they’d otherwise never have known. In addition to his love for travel, Texie was an anointed singer with a voice reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke. He passed on his musical talents to his children and grandchildren, and once even sold the family’s furniture to buy instruments for his children. He had a passion for gardening, fishing, bowling, and was a great shade-tree mechanic fostering that DIY spirit in his children. Texie loved watching episodes of Bonanza, WWF, The Price is Right, Sanford and Son, Wheel of Fortune, and in later years, the Dallas Cowboys, his favorite team. He was well knows for his many witty catch phrases including, “It’s tight, but it’s right”, “Ignorance is expensive” and “ If you put your brain in a bird, it would fly backwards” to name a few. Above all, Texie was about compelling people to give their lives to Christ, starting with his own house first. He loved to serve the people of God hosting many church members and often, perfect […]