John J. Doyle

John J Doyle of Bluffton died peacefully on November 11, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.

John was born in New Haven, CT, September 7, 1940 to the late John Doyle and Gertrude MacNeil. He was employed for over thirty-five years in the engineering/construction disciplines for the pharmaceutical, petroleum and nuclear power industries. He specialized in the design, implementation and inspection of process piping and related systems besides serving as on-site construction supervisor. Throughout his professional career John offered his services as contractor/consultant for numerous engineering firms.

John was a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and ran a sled-dog team competitively for many years in the northeast before retiring to Sun City Hilton Head, where he traded in his dog sled for a kayak.  He was an active member of the Kayak Club of Sun City, paddling in Belize, Mexico, the Dry Tortugas, as well as local waters in and around SC, GA and FL.  His commitment to working out at the gym earned him recognition from the Sun City fitness department as the “health nut of the month” in October 2008. John loved dragon boating; as a cancer survivor, he was a proud founding member of the Swamp Dragons team, representing DragonBoat Beaufort in many competitions.

John leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Phyllis Doyle, his son, John W Doyle, grandsons John N and Christopher, daughter-in-law, Zulema, sister, Patricia Clifford, nieces Anne Axelson and Barbara Richard, nephew, Robert Garvie, great niece and nephew Amanda and Blake, and countless friends who loved John and especially his irrepressible sense of humor.

A celebration of life is planned for John in the new year.  Details will be posted on this site when they are available. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to The Port Royal Sound Foundation or your favorite charity.

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