William Doe
— Belton, S.C. William Leslie Doe, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home in South Carolina on June 8, 2022. William, also fondly known as “Bill” or “John” Doe, was a decorated veteran who joined the U.S. Navy in August 1958, and spent the next 20 years active duty, retiring in April 1978. During his years of dedicated service, he earned many commendations.
He started out his naval career as an engineman, then became a diver and then changed his rate to machinist mate. He was also chief of the boat. His final naval role was as a subschool instructor at Building 88 in Groton. John was a life member of the Holland Club, FRA and VFW.
John met and married his sweetheart, Lois Joy Watson on Aug. 8, 1964. They had two beautiful daughters, and the Navy transferred them many times. John’s second career spanned 1979 — 1996, with some consulting afterwards. During that time, he was instrumental in so many roles designing and building submarines at Electric Boat in Groton. In addition to the many military organizations John belonged to, he was also very proud of his 56-year membership in the Fraternal Organization of the Masons.
However, the roles he took the most pride and joy in were the ones of husband, father and “Grampy.” Some of the things he enjoyed most were fishing, camping, hunting and sports (as a young man). In later years, golfing, volunteering (Habitat for Humanity, Ledyard Fair, Vets Helping Vets and Sub Vets), woodworking, traveling and ALWAYS spending time with family and friends. In his final years in South Carolina, he spent his time riding with Grammy on his golf cart around the farm, “Finally Home Acres,” rocking on the porch while watching wildlife and making memories with his five grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his mother, Ruth Wake DoeKorb; and his father, Thomas Doe. He is survived by his wife, Lois Doe; daughters, Leslie Doe-Koehler (Joe) of Belton, S.C., Wendy DoeAbrams (Russ) of Medway, Mass.; grandchildren, Kassandra Koehler, Keegan Koehler, Rachel Abrams, Ryan Abrams and Jillian Abrams; sister Phyllis Gooden of Littleton, Colo.; and brothers, Phil Doe (Paula) of Littleton, Colo., and Mike Doe of Las Vegas, Nev.
The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at the McDougald Funeral Home. The Committal Service will follow at 1 p.m. at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Vets Helping Vets Anderson, P.O. Box 265, Anderson, SC 29622. Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW. MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME. COM.