FEBRUARY 11 – John Tucker Doyne Jr., 96, affectionately called “Dandy” by his family, died on Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

Tucker was born in Farmville on September 5, 1913 to John Tucker Doyne Sr. and Willie M. Doyne. He was a former owner of Doyne-Burger Funeral Home which was originally established as Doyne Funeral Home in 1838 by his great grandfather, John Doyne.

During his youth, he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America where he received the “God and Country Award.”

Tucker attended Hampden-Sydney College and was a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Embalming. He was a Charter member and former President of the Farmville Rotary Club, a member of the Prince Edward Historical Society and the Farmville United Methodist Church.

A lover of nature, he and his wife were known for their beautiful rose gardens. Together they established the Southside Rose Society. He was proud of his prize-winning gardens and generously shared his roses with the local churches, friends and neighbors.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth “Red” Doyne. He is survived by his four daughters, Lucy Doyne of Farmville, Mary Doyne of Clinton, NC, Ruth Doyne Hines of Lanexa, and Marie Doyne Baughman of Midlothian; 10 grandchildren, Doyne Simpson, David Simpson, Derek Simpson, Joel Coleman Jr., Jeanne vonLehmden, Kate Domville, Kara Donatelli, Ami Goldman, Richard Ragan, III and Matthew Ragan; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and his devoted friend, Lee Meredith.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, at the Farmville United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.

The family requests contributions be made to the Farmville Rotary Club, PO Box 659, Farmville, VA 23901 or the Farmville United Methodist Church, 202 High Street, Farmville, VA 23901.

Doyne-Burger-Davis Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of the arrangements.