William Eugene Doyle

William Eugene “Bill” Doyle, 82, of Clarksville, TN, passed away on January 3, 2024. Bill was born on January 3, 1942, in Dixon, IL to William Clark Doyle and Kathryn Maxine (McDonnell) Doyle. Growing up, Bill was an exceptional athlete and excelled in both basketball and track and field. Bill was co-captain of his high school basketball team. 

After graduating from West Chicago High School in 1960, Bill attended South Texas Junior College on a basketball scholarship and graduated with an associate’s degree in 1962. Bill then secured employment as a laboratory technician and attended college at night to complete his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, graduating from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL in 1970. In 1964, Bill married Loretta A. Seeley of West Chicago, IL. Bill and Loretta had four children.

Bill enjoyed a 50 year career as a chemist in the field of inorganic and rare earth chemistry. Over the course of his career, Bill advanced from a laboratory bench chemist to a senior manager and consultant with sought-after expertise in the production of inorganic chemicals and processing of rare earth-containing ores. Bill made significant technological contributions to the field including inventing a patented lanthanide recovery process. 

Over the years, Bill had numerous and diverse interests and hobbies, including coaching his son’s sports teams, enjoying bluegrass music (Bill played the banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and ukelele), fishing, raising horses and ponies, keeping bees, and enjoying the companionship of his best friends Duchess, Wimpy, Angel, and Angie. Bill was also a skilled handyman who could successfully take on nearly any carpentry, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or automotive
project.

Bill was predeceased by his father and mother, as well as siblings John Martin Doyle, Patrick McDonnell Doyle, and Cecilia Ann Novak. He is survived by his wife, children William Eugene Doyle, Jr. (Carole), Timothy John Doyle (Catherine), Michael Patrick Doyle (Susan), and Brian Edward Doyle; grandchildren Jillian, Colin, Caelinn, Michael, Jr., and Rose; siblings Kathleen Louise Turner, Theresa Rita Walker (Paul), and Edward Francis Doyle (Anne); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held in Bill’s memory.

Please visit William's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.