A man beloved by his many friends and family members gave up his fight against cancer on Friday morning July 15, 2011. He was born in Wachula, FL on Sept. 14, 1927. Starting from these roots in early rural Florida, his life grew and branched in many directions and left a mark on all those who came in contact with this memorable man. After graduating from the University of Florida in 1951 with a degree in Agricultural Economics, he was an avid Gator fan. He supported all UF sports, but especially loved Florida Gator Football and attended nearly all home games for many years. Doyle was a prominent member of the Florida agricultural community. From an early start citrus farming in his home community of Fort Green, he moved to large scale pineapple and vegetable farming in Delray. He continued serving the agricultural community working with Florida Extension Service in Homestead; and ultimately, his final career with Federal Land Bank of Columbia, South Carolina where he was Regional Vice-President for Florida until his retirement in 1986. Doyle loved growing tropical fruit and his home (fondly nicknamed Abbott Botanical Gardens) has been visited by multitudes of people who came to tour and sample his numerous varieties of tropical fruit. He was a founding member of Central Florida Tropical Fruit Club and many have benefitted from his knowledge and generosity in sharing tropical plants and fruit. Doyle served in the Merchant Marines during the later part of WW II and loved to share stories of his adventures and duties as a Fireman/Boiler Tender on a T2 Tanker and was an active member of the Rudy Kozak Merchant Marine Chapter in Sanford.
Doyle is survived by his loving wife Lena Mae Abbott; his sons Hugh Abbott, Dennis Abbott and Victor Mallett; his daughter Vivian Pozo; daughter-in-law Robbin Abbott and son-in-law Joe Pozo. He was predeceased by son Eric Abbott. His always smiling demeanor earned him the name “Grin” Daddy and his wonderful bedtime stories are fondly remembered by grandchildren Jennifer Monath, Larissa DeDea, Brandon Abbott, Jarrett Abbott and his great-grandchildren Nicole and Tommy Hayduk. He also leaves behind brother Jerald Abbott, sister-in-law Jo Abbott and nephews Craig, Robert and Michael Abbott, all of Fort Green, FL.
Celebration of Life will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home on Sunday July 17 at 3:00 PM. Doyle has requested donations to the American Cancer Society in his name in lieu of flowers.
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