William (Bill) Doyel of Rockbridge County, Virginia passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on December 17, 2019 at the age of 97.
Bill was born in Winchester, Indiana. He graduated from the University of Texas with a major in geology. While at UT, he met the love of his life, Peggie Doole, on a blind date and they were soon married in August 1949.
After graduation Bill began his career with the U.S. Geological Survey in Houston, Texas. He was soon offered and accepted a USGS post in Egypt which began his family's first nearly decade-long adventure living abroad. Eldest daughter Molly was born in Egypt, Kathleen was born in Libya and the youngest, Susie, in Chile.
Bill returned to the USGS headquarters in Washington, D.C. in the early '60s with Peggie and their three small girls in tow.
Bill bought a house, installed in a swimming pool in the back yard, became a Sunday school teacher and softball coach just to spend more time with his girls.
The family traveled the country in campers in the summers while Bill combined vacation and work travel in then novel ways. The Doyel door was always open to any exchange student or friend (or friend of a friend) who needed a home.
Immediately upon Bill's retirement from 33 years in federal service, Bill and Peggie jumped at the chance for another international job and were soon off to a new home base in the Sultanate of Oman for six exciting years as expats traveling the world.
Finally returning to Virginia in time for the arrival of the grandchildren (and after retiring from paying work), Bill and Peggie spent their time traveling the United States, enjoying both their timeshares and their grandchildren. His grandchildren were the light of his later life. It was one of his greatest joys to be an integral part of the lives of Brendan, Kelsey, Matthew, Erin, Jordan and Alexis and see them each into young adulthood. He was particularly pleased to attend the first grandchild's wedding this past November and he enjoyed seeing so many dear friends there.
Bill, who had never, ever met a stranger, became widely known as "Pop" as he traveled the small towns, diners, and thrift stores in Lexington and the surrounding area with his friend and co-conspirator, Lisa Rangel, over these last few years.
Bill had a deep love of learning and his humor could never be contained. He shared a deep and abiding love for his daughters and their partners, Molly (Danny) Atienza, Kathleen (Jeff) Karlstrand, Susie (Betsey) Doyel.
And for over 70 years, the bedrock of his life and adventures was wife, Peggie, whom he adored.
A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 at 5 p.m.
