William Melvin Dooley Jr.

Bill left Knoxville and joined the Air Force while still in high school to help support his mother and four younger siblings. After four years of service as a member of the military police division he returned home and graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. It is during this time he was introduced to Ellen Flanagan and he married the light of his life and best friend. They were married 56 years until her death in 2014.

Bill had two careers in his long life. He was with Wrenn Brothers-Hyster for many years until he took a leap of faith and started his company Carolina Golfco in the early 1980's. This was not a job for Bill, it was his passion. With his integrity and rapport with his customers he grew the company and to this day has many of the original distributors. It wasn't until an accident in the fall of 2023 that he stopped working at the age of 91. He handed the reins to his daughter in 2022.

Bill was a lifelong member of Carmel Country Club where he enjoyed Saturday mornings on the tennis court and many evenings with his family. He was also a member of the Charlotte Rifle and Pistol Club for many years and was still shooting skeet until age 90. Bill also was a patron of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center where he and Ellen enjoyed many shows throughout the years.

Bill was most at home outdoors hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains all his many years, traveling extensively to hunt pheasant and his favorite of all was his yard and taking care of it to perfection. If he wasn't outside he was deep into his history courses that he took until his later 80's.

He could always find a positive on the very worst of days and was always the voice of reason with positivity for the family that he protected and loved with all his heart. To know Bill was to love him, a gentle man with the kindest smile. He was just simply a pleasure to all those who came across his path.

In addition to the love of his life, Bill was preceded his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William M. Dooley of Knoxville' four younger siblings, Walt Dooley, Bob Dooley, Pat Dooley and Mike Dooley all of Knoxville. He is survived by his daughter Stephanie; sister in law Linda Dooley of Kodak, Tennessee; nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mike Johnson and his staff for their dedication and the Stewart Center at the Cypress of Charlotte for their skills and kindness. In addition, Lynn Pace whose love and support could never be measured and to Keith Vettorel who stepped up to the plate and helped keep the doors open at the company. Bill loved him like a son.

Memorials can be directed to The St. Jude's Children's Research Center, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please note member number 238241104 of your donation. Dad donated quietly to many charities but this one was close to his heart.

Dad, it is an honor to hurt as badly as I do for having loved you so very, very much. You had a magic all your own and I will forever be proud to call Bill Dooley my father. Your wisdom will walk with me until the end of the age.

A private service will be held in February with Pastor Lindsay Rich officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of McEwen Funeral Service Charlotte Chapel.