Marvin Doyle Monroe passed away on Jan. 28, 2025. His wishes were to be cremated. A private service will be held on the family farm, including a 21-gun-salute — an homage to Doyle’s honorable service as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps, in which he was so proud to have served.
He leaves behind his sister, Earline Monroe Hicks; a daughter, Vicki Frances Monroe Spivey; son-in-law, Dr. Oscar Smith Spivey Jr.; granddaughter, Frances Monroe Spivey, of Asheville, N.C., and a grandson, Oscar Smith (Kav) Spivey III, of Nashville. He is predeceased by his son, Marvin Doyle (Skipper) Monroe Jr. of Charleston, S.C.; and three siblings, William Edwin Monroe Jr., Mary Lois Monroe Osborne and Joyce Monroe Pierce.
Doyle was born on Sept. 13, 1932 in Madison, Ga. to Anielois Basket Monroe and William Edwin Monroe. When Doyle was a small boy, the family moved to Macon, Ga., where he would spend the first and formative chapters of his adult life.
After graduating from Lanier High School for Boys in Macon, Doyle headed off to Parris Island, S.C., for Marine Corps boot camp, followed by a transfer to Camp Lejeune, N.C.
In the 1960s, Doyle owned and operated Doyle Monroe New and Used Cars in Macon, Ga., followed by ownership of Monroe GMC. After retirement, Doyle moved to Franklin, N.C., where he and his wife spent over 20 years on a serene creekside homestead in the mountains. In 2011, Doyle and Arrahwannah moved to McMinnville, where they enjoyed their retirement years close to their treasured family.
In a time in which civility and chivalry seem in scant supply, Doyle was a living testament to a bygone era, a true Southern gentleman. Most often outfitted in a Stetson, he cut a striking figure, softened by a sense of humor legendary to his family. On a mission trip to Honduras with his son-in-law and granddaughter, he quickly earned the moniker “Sir Doyle” among the group, a testament to the respect his strength, work ethic and unwavering integrity inspired amongst others.
A preternaturally gifted craftsman, Doyle expressed his love for his family in creations both beautiful and useful — from custom homes to ornate vanities for his beloved wife, to treehouses and play-sets for his grandchildren, to artwork that still adorns the family walls; From welding to carpentry, watercolor to masonry, Doyle could build, fix, or create virtually anything.
A lover of the natural world, Doyle enjoyed hunting dove and quail each season, which his wife would craft into a renowned stew. He equally loved deep sea fishing, spending many a happy day fishing with his friends in the Gulf of Mexico.
We cannot speak of Doyle without also speaking of Arrahwannah. His wife of over 70 years, Arrahwannah was, to Doyle, a best friend, a constant companion, and a living treasure; without one, the other could scarcely exist, and we are so grateful that they have found one another again after only a brief parting.
Doyle was a devoted Daddy, husband and Papa who gave, always and in everything, his all — we will miss him terribly.
High Funeral Home and High's Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Feb. 19, 2025
