Herman Doyle, a resident of Rural Retreat, Virginia, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Wythe County Community Hospital in Wytheville, VA. His departure marks the end of a life rich in passion for baseball, dedication to his community, and love for his family. Those seeking Seaver-brown Funeral Service Obituaries to learn more about Mr. Doyle and services will find the details below.
Mr. Doyle was widely recognized for his extraordinary talent as a baseball pitcher. During his junior year of high school, his exceptional skills caught the attention of major league scouts, leading to his drafting by the Cleveland Indians in 1964. This achievement highlighted his natural ability and hard work on the pitcher’s mound. Beyond professional prospects, Herman also cherished playing for the semi-pro Saltville Alkalies alongside his friend and catcher, Bubby Crowder.
One game that remained a particularly fond memory for Herman was a match held at a packed Marion Stadium in 1964 against the Tennessee High Vikings. In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Herman led his team to victory, snapping Tennessee’s 6-game winning streak with a complete game shutout. The final score of 2-0 was underscored by an impressive 13 strikeouts. This pivotal game was observed by nine major league scouts, who were so impressed that they gathered in Herman’s mother’s kitchen afterward, sharing pie and baseball stories, a testament to Herman’s captivating performance and down-to-earth charm.
Herman’s passions extended beyond baseball. He deeply valued his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papaw Hermie.” His love for his son, extended family, and numerous friends was evident in his daily life. Many of these friendships were forged during his career with Lowes, where he was a highly sought-after Homestead Manager. His expertise in pricing house builds was legendary; he was known for his remarkable accuracy, often estimating within $500 of the final cost, demonstrating his deep knowledge and practical skills in home construction.
Herman was predeceased by his parents, Garland and Rose Doyle; his sister, Barbara Doyle; his brothers, William and Robert Doyle; and Margaret Harris, the mother of his son.
He is survived by his loving son, Stan Doyle (Karen) of Rural Retreat, VA; his sister, Virginia Doyle of Rural Retreat, VA; his brother, Charles Doyle, also of Rural Retreat, VA; three cherished grandchildren, Madison Pennington (Dalton) of Marion, VA, Donovan Bailey Doyle (Cheyenne) of Hillsville, VA, and Dalton Kegley (Tatum) of Temple, GA; and three great-grandchildren, Caroline, Roman, and Brandon, all of Marion, VA. He also leaves behind a very special cousin, Karen Widener Reedy of Rural Retreat, VA; numerous nieces and nephews; and his friend, Bill Catron of Atkins, VA.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, located at 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the chapel, with Blake Frazier officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later time.
For those wishing to share memories of Herman Doyle, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Funeral arrangements and care have been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354. This obituary serves as a loving tribute to Herman Doyle, and is available along with other Seaver-Brown Funeral Service obituaries, offering comfort and information to those who knew and loved him.
