Willie "Earle" Doyle

McMinnville resident and Madrid, Virginia native Willie “Earle” Doyle, age 83, passed away September 5, 2026, following an extended illness. 

He was born January 13, 1943, to the late Willie Frank Doyle and Minnie Lee Sampson Doyle. Earle graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville, Virginia, with the Class of 1960. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer Third Class Radioman. During his military service, he was stationed in Guam and served aboard the USS Lowe 325 out of San Francisco, California. Following his military career, Earle retired from Siemens in Florida, where he worked as a Telecommunications Supervisor. Earle was a man of faith and of many interests and talents. He enjoyed playing the guitar, writing songs, woodworking, flying remote-control aircraft, and watching old Westerns. He was also a gifted storyteller who could always be counted on to share a story, often while enjoying a good cigar.

In addition to his parents, Earle was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred Inez Doyle Higgs, Lillie Madeline Doyle Berry, Helen Adline Doyle Cole, and Dorothy Marie Doyle Watling; his brother, Charles Frank Doyle; and his grandson, Travis Justin Trusty.

Earle is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Iva (McDowell) Doyle of McMinnville, Tennessee; his brother, Carl Doyle of Richmond, Virginia; his daughter, Carol (Michael) Wilkerson of Branson, Missouri; his son, Charles (Susan) Doyle of Carl Junction, Missouri; his stepdaughter, Ruby Gantt (Rob Roswell) of McMinnville, Tennessee; his stepson, Jimmy (Linda) Trusty of McMinnville, Tennessee; and his stepdaughter, Beverly (Tommy) Hill of Hogansville, Georgia. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Joellen (David) Walden, Jennifer (Dason) Boren, Andrew (Gloria) Doyle, Jayme (Othellis) Roper, Ashley (Josiah) Ruiz Esparaza, Amber Wilkerson, Latisha (Chad) Jaco, Amy (Scott) Brower, Caleb (Samantha) Gantt, Christy (Justin) Medley, and John (Ahsamon Ante-Marandi) Hill. His eighteen great-grandchildren are Cooper and Hudson Boren; Judah and Selah Doyle; Ethan (Kiana) Jaco; Hayden Jaco; Lola Tittsworth; Nathan Brower; Ellie and Emerie Gantt; Trevor and Max Trusty; Jathan and Braylan Bogle; Crislyn and Jocelin Medley; and Lily and Emily Hill. He is also survived by his great-great-grandson Colton Cantrell, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Pastor Wayne Hopkins will officiate graveside services to be held at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on October 3, 2026, at Mt. Zion Cemetery in McMinnville. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to gather in the fellowship hall at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Full Military Honors will be administered by the American Legion Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Earle’s memory to Viola Valley Dogs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions may be made via PayPal at violadogs@yahoo.com, via Venmo at @Linda-Coursey-3, or by mail to P.O. Box 39, Viola, TN 37394.

Earle will be remembered for his creativity, his stories, his love of music and craftsmanship, and most of all, the love he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.