Robert Dennis Doyle Winter Garden, Florida Obituary

Robert Dennis Doyle

<p>Robert Dennis Doyle (Denny) of Winter Garden, Florida, went home to meet the Lord on December 20, 2022.</p><p><br></p><p>Denny was the second of four children, born to his parents Virginia and Robert Doyle, on January 17, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky. Denny grew up in Cave City, KY where he was an outstanding athlete in basketball, baseball, football, and track. He met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Martha Carol Smith, at Cavern High School, and they went on to attend Morehead College together, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in education while on a basketball scholarship (yes, you read that right). Denny and Martha were wed on August 23, 1964, in Horse Cave, KY.</p><p><br></p><p>Just after college, Denny was signed by the Phillies organization and taught middle school, science and English during the offseason. As a foreshadowing of his Doyle Baseball days to come, he was signed by Phillies scout Mel Clark, who was watching him teach at a little league clinic…likely still the only MLB</p><p>player to sign a big league contract on a little league field.</p><p><br></p><p>After a successful Major League Baseball career with the Phillies (1967-74), Angels (1974-75), and Red Sox (1975-77), Denny launched and operated Doyle Baseball, the recognized leader in baseball development for 40 years, with his younger twin brothers Blake and Brian, while based in Winter Haven and Lakeland, Florida. He continued lessons and mentoring via the game of baseball into his 70s. While Doyle Baseball influenced thousands of coaches, parents and young players, many going to play professionally. It was never just about the game of baseball to Denny. His passion and heart were about raising strong, Christian, respectful men to go out into the world – and baseball was his avenue. Denny was all about giving back to the game including being a board member to the Major League Baseball Association for 29 years where he was instrumental in youth player development programs, fantasy camps and inner city/international youth programs.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout his entire life, Denny held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those around him through his quiet strength and kind actions. His favorite past times were spending time with family, teaching the game of baseball, talking hitting philosophy and studying God’s Word. Those that were close to him knew that when Denny invited you for a walk or to take a seat with him in the bleachers, it was sure to be a special conversation filled with advice, life lessons and baseball stories. Denny often signed his autograph on baseball memorabilia with his 2 favorite verses: “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13; and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all way acknowledge HIM and he shall direct your path” Proverbs 3:5-6.</p><p><br></p><p>Denny is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha, his three daughters, Melynn, Robin and Marci, his 2 sons-in-law, Doug and Jimmy and his 4 grandchildren, Dani, Morgan, Jake and Reed. Brothers, Blake and Brian and their families as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends that are like family. He is preceded in death by his sister, Janice and his parents, Robert and Virginia.</p><p><br></p><p>We welcome friends, family and those whose life Denny has touched to join us in a Celebration of Life scheduled for December 28, 2022 at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden located at 125 East Plant Street, Winter Garden, Fl. As a part of the celebration, please wear your favorite color. Winter Oak Funeral home website will have the link to the live stream of the service.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Denny’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association; Cave City Christian Church, First Baptist Church of Winter Garden or “pay it forward” in Denny’s name by buying a baseball glove for a child in need (just as others did for him and he did for so many).</p><p><br></p><p>Denny's funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home &amp; Cremation, </p><p>1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787</p><p><br></p>
January 17, 1943 - December 20, 202201/17/194312/20/2022
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Obituary

Robert Dennis Doyle (Denny) of Winter Garden, Florida, went home to meet the Lord on December 20, 2022.


Denny was the second of four children, born to his parents Virginia and Robert Doyle, on January 17, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky. Denny grew up in Cave City, KY where he was an outstanding athlete in basketball, baseball, football, and track. He met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Martha Carol Smith, at Cavern High School, and they went on to attend Morehead College together, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in education while on a basketball scholarship (yes, you read that right). Denny and Martha were wed on August 23, 1964, in Horse Cave, KY.


Just after college, Denny was signed by the Phillies organization and taught middle school, science and English during the offseason. As a foreshadowing of his Doyle Baseball days to come, he was signed by Phillies scout Mel Clark, who was watching him teach at a little league clinic…likely still the only MLB

player to sign a big league contract on a little league field.


After a successful Major League Baseball career with the Phillies (1967-74), Angels (1974-75), and Red Sox (1975-77), Denny launched and operated Doyle Baseball, the recognized leader in baseball development for 40 years, with his younger twin brothers Blake and Brian, while based in Winter Haven and Lakeland, Florida. He continued lessons and mentoring via the game of baseball into his 70s. While Doyle Baseball influenced thousands of coaches, parents and young players, many going to play professionally. It was never just about the game of baseball to Denny. His passion and heart were about raising strong, Christian, respectful men to go out into the world – and baseball was his avenue. Denny was all about giving back to the game including being a board member to the Major League Baseball Association for 29 years where he was instrumental in youth player development programs, fantasy camps and inner city/international youth programs.


Throughout his entire life, Denny held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those around him through his quiet strength and kind actions. His favorite past times were spending time with family, teaching the game of baseball, talking hitting philosophy and studying God’s Word. Those that were close to him knew that when Denny invited you for a walk or to take a seat with him in the bleachers, it was sure to be a special conversation filled with advice, life lessons and baseball stories. Denny often signed his autograph on baseball memorabilia with his 2 favorite verses: “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13; and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all way acknowledge HIM and he shall direct your path” Proverbs 3:5-6.


Denny is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha, his three daughters, Melynn, Robin and Marci, his 2 sons-in-law, Doug and Jimmy and his 4 grandchildren, Dani, Morgan, Jake and Reed. Brothers, Blake and Brian and their families as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends that are like family. He is preceded in death by his sister, Janice and his parents, Robert and Virginia.


We welcome friends, family and those whose life Denny has touched to join us in a Celebration of Life scheduled for December 28, 2022 at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden located at 125 East Plant Street, Winter Garden, Fl. As a part of the celebration, please wear your favorite color. Winter Oak Funeral home website will have the link to the live stream of the service.


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Denny’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association; Cave City Christian Church, First Baptist Church of Winter Garden or “pay it forward” in Denny’s name by buying a baseball glove for a child in need (just as others did for him and he did for so many).


Denny's funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremation,

1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787


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