Doyle Lee Shugart

It is with great honor, pride and sadness that we, his family, announce the passing of Doyle L. Shugart, age 71, Founder and President of Deceased Pet Care Funeral Homes. Doyle went to be with his Lord on July 8, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Calhoun, Georgia, Doyle graduated from John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science in 1965. Married to Maudann DeFoor of Calhoun for 52 years, Doyle was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Leader and Faithful Servant. As an advocate for pet parents across the nation and a pioneer in the pet aftercare profession for more than 40 years, Doyle and his family realized his dream in 2010 with the opening of the largest full service pet funeral home in the nation. Doyle retired from H.M. Patterson & Son after serving thousands of families for 34 years. Doyle served the community in many ways including serving on the Board of Directors and past President of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories as well as the Chamblee Business Association. Doyle was a Member of the Kiwanis Club and the Better Business Bureau and was the Recipient of the Chamblee Business Association Business of the Year Award and nominee for Georgia Small Family Business of the Year Award. Formerly featured in Atlanta Magazine as Best Pet Cemetery, Doyle has given generously to pet organizations throughout Georgia. Doyle was a long time member of Duluth First Baptist Church serving in many capacities over the years.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Jennie Mae Shugart, surviving are his beloved wife of 52 years, Maudann Shugart, children Keith D. Shugart, Donna Shugart-Bethune, and Kyle L. Shugart. Daughter-in-laws, Letitia Shugart, and Cyndi Shugart and son-in-law, Todd Bethune. Nine grandchildren, Tyler, Kayla, Austin, Paige, Hunter, Tara, Savannah, McKenzie, and Morgan. Brothers Herman Shugart and Lamar Shugart, and sister, Vivian Shugart and a number of nieces and nephews.

A man of great integrity, he lived his life by his priority of serving others. While there will always be a void in our hearts, Doyle's loving family will forever continue the legacy and tradition he established. It is our privilege to honor a selfless man who meant so much to so many.

Funeral Services for Doyle L. Shugart will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 2:00 pm at H.M. Patterson & Son - Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30319.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the Funeral Home and from 1:00 – 2:00 pm prior to the funeral service. Those who wish to send condolences to the family may do so on the Facebook page found under Deceased Pet Care Funeral Homes and Crematories.