Doyle Vincent Loftis, Alarka’s hardest working man, stepped into glory this past Sunday evening, July 10, 2022 at the age of 83.
He was born on July 15, 1938 in Swain County to parents Clarence Vernon “Bood” and Velma Parris Loftis, deceased.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Shirley McGugan Loftis. Children are Vincent Loftis, and wife Rhonda, and Vernon Loftis, deceased. Grandchildren are Brittany Loftis; Dustin Loftis, and wife Sesalee; Kelly Parton, and husband Landon; and Logan Loftis all of Bryson City. Great grandchildren are Briaunna, Paitten, Kaylee, Cabe, Brennley, Preslyn, Ridge and Bood. Siblings are the late Harold Loftis, and wife Virgie; Billy Wayne “Cotton” Loftis, and wife Annette, Janette Bowers, and husband Buford, deceased; Geneva Nations, and husband Max, deceased; and the late Lillian Loftis.
Doyle joined the military in 1961 and proudly served his country in the United States Army and later in the Army Reserves.
After his time in the military, he worked construction in the states of California and Pennsylvania but the mountains of Western North Carolina called he and Shirley back home in 1967. He retired from Pepsi Cola Bottling Company after 28 years of employment. After retirement, he worked several years for Hemlock Inn.
He gave his heart to the Lord in 1971 at Gateway Camp Meeting under the ministry of T.L. Lowery. Doyle attended the Bryson City Church of God and was enormously instrumental in the major renovation project the church undertook in 2007. He was a skilled builder, loved wood-working, gardening, fishing, and resting in his shady spot under the tree by ‘Larkie Creek.
Doyle inspired all that knew him by the strength he demonstrated through serious health challenges all the while maintaining his easy-going ways, quick wit, and ready smile. He loved God, he loved his family, and he loved to cut-up. He will be dearly missed by his family and community.
The funeral service was held Wednesday, July 13, at 1 p.m., at Crisp Funeral Home. Interment was at the Mason Branch Cemetery. Pastor Marty Pressley and Reverend Eugene Moore officiated. Pallbearers were Dustin and Logan Loftis, Keith Nations, Sherman Colvard, Warren Enloe and David Loftis. Honorary pallbearers were Dean Loftis and Kenny Gibson. Special friends are Sherman Colvard and Janine Crisp.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doyle’s memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at https://themmrf.org.