James Kenneth Doyle

James Kenneth Doyle, beloved widower of Lucy Rumph Doyle, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023. All day he had been surrounded by his favorite women: his two daughters, three granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters.
Kenneth was born in Reevesville on July 6, 1927, to Alfred Thomas (Tom) and Kathleen Hartzog Doyle. Kenneth attended St. George public schools and upon graduation, joined the U.S. Navy. He was very proud of his four years of service, which took him to many countries. He loved to reminisce about his adventures. After his Navy service, he began a career with the federal government, most of which was with the Charleston Air Force Base. Towards the end of his career, Kenneth accepted a detail to RAF Upper Heyford in England. He and Lucy made great new friends there and
they enjoyed visits to several countries in Europe. Kenneth retired in 1980. He was blessed to have a long and, until the last few years, active retirement. Kenneth married his devoted wife in 1951. One of Kenneth’s proudest achievements was marrying Lucy and enjoying 72 years of marriage. They had two children, Vonnie Shieder and Nancy Wicker Kirby.
Kenneth loved being outdoors. As long as his health allowed, he was always doing something- enjoying his place at the Edisto River, and gardening and fishing at their Sandridge Community property-anything that carried him outside. His grandchildren fondly recall his boat rides on the Edisto River, which Kenneth knew like the back of his hand. Kenneth was an extremely smart man with a tremendous work ethic. In his younger days he rarely sat, unless it was to watch a football game or an old western on TV. His exceptional memory and intelligence was present through his very last days. Kenneth was also a very good cook. His boiled peanuts, catfish stew, collards, fried venison and venison roasts, and shrimp, sausage and rice casserole were a few of the family’s favorites.
In addition to his children, Kenneth played a significant role in the rearing of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom feel immensely blessed to have had him in their lives for so many years. Kenneth loved Behling Street and his home of 70 years. We are so grateful that even as his health failed he was able to stay in his house. We will forever be grateful to his Caregivers and friends, Mary Middleton, Leslie Walters, Rosetta Green and Glenn Hill. They had wonderful talks about the “old days” and current events. We are also grateful to his neighbors who looked out for him, providing food and visits.
Most of all, Kenneth loved his God. He was a near lifelong member of Old St. George Baptist Church which he faithfully attended when he was healthy. He held several church offices including Treasurer, and he was a Deacon in the Church for many years. Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and two brothers, Tom Lewis Doyle and Terry Doyle. He is survived by his
children Vonnie Shieder (Lynwood) and Nancy Wicker Kirby (Joe), grandchildren Brandy Shieder Kirkland (Chuck), Tiffany Shieder, Chase Shieder (Rudy Bertile), and Samantha Freeman (Tim); and four greatgrandchildren: Alex and Jill Kirkland, Stephen Kovaz, and Ava Lucy Freeman. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Old St. George Baptist Church with Rev. James Way officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends an hour before the service in the church. 

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