James Douglas Wales, 78, of Ardmore, Alabama passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Doug spent all of his life in the Ardmore community and was a member of Community Baptist Church. He enjoyed a hard day’s work and going to church. In his free time, he liked to hunt deer and watch the Atlanta Braves. In his younger years, Doug enjoyed playing fast pitch men’s softball.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Leon Wales and Deola Bryant Wales, his wife of 58 years, Jessie Wales, six brothers: Howard “Pete” Wales, Robert Wales, Kenneth “Lightning” Wales, David Wales, Louis Wales, and Aaron “Bimbo” Wales, as well as two sisters, Patsy Gates and Estelle Black.
He is survived by two daughters, Lisa (Donnie) Neeley and Cindy (Scott) Hall, three brothers: Charles (Mary) Wales, Larry (May) Wales, and Jackie (Mickie) Wales, one sister, Lousie “Sis” (Tommy) Lewter, as well as four grandchildren: Kayla Neeley, Ashley (Adam) Marlar, Austin Hall, and Madison Hall.
A visitation for Mr. Wales will be held at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service is scheduled for the following day, Thursday, January 29, 2026, again at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, with service time beginning at 11:00 AM. Bro. Steve Hargrove and Bro. Anthony Stevens will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Gatlin Cemetery.
Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home is assisting the family with services.
