Doyle Gaw

Mr. Gaw passed away peacefully on April 14, 2018 just a bit shy of his 87th birthday, May 19th. He was born in Gainesboro, TN to Cleavis C. and Pearl W. Gaw as the sixth of their nine surviving children. Doyle is preceded in death by both of his parents as well as Dr. J.C. (Helen) Gaw, Jack (Nancy) Gaw, Sara (Sam) Lynn, Betty (Bill) Wisdom, Lloyd (Jeanette) Gaw, Charles Gaw, and Dr. William Gaw. His brother Dr. David (Patsy) Gaw is the only surviving sibling.

Doyle leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Ranelle Austin Gaw, as well as his children Jay (Holly) Gaw, Mark (Pat) Gaw, Amanda Gaw, Tyler Gaw, and Turner (Suzanne) Gaw. Doyle has six grandchildren: Lauren (Jared) Attig, Bailey (Dale) Sutherland, Christopher (Chappell) Gaw, Tara Christian, Taylor Williams (Harrison), Turner Gaw II, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Cassidy Attig, Evelyn Attig, Walt Attig, Henry Attig, Felix Sutherland, Hugo Sutherland, and Baker Williams.

Doyle developed his rigorous work ethic growing up on the family farm in Gainesboro. He attended Jackson County High School and graduated at the age of 16. It was his parents realized dream to send all of their children to David Lipscomb College for a Christian education. It was at Lipscomb that Doyle met and married his beautiful wife and partner, Ranelle. After graduating in 1952 from Lipscomb, Doyle and Ranelle moved to Battle Creek, Michigan for a job as a preacher. Being newly married, money was tight and he employed his work ethic to provide a better life for his family. While teaching school during the week and preaching on the weekends, he also painted houses, and earned his Master’s Degree from Western Michigan. When his mother became ill, the family decided to move back to Nashville where Doyle began working in the securities industry.

Not long after moving back to Nashville, Doyle founded Tennessee Securities with his brothers, Lloyd and Charles. It was at that time that Tennessee Securities raised capital for these business success stories: Royal Publishing, now known as Thomas Nelson Publishing, Scottish Inns, and Service Merchandise. Doyle founded Akorn Inc., manufacturer and marketer of generic and branded pharmaceuticals. He was privileged to begin a publicly traded mutual fund called the Volunteer Capital Fund. Volunteer Capital now owns J. Alexander’s restaurants. He also partnered with Jack Massey to buy Colonel Sanders out from Kentucky Fried Chicken. Doyle served as CEO, President, and board member for Tennessee Securities, Scottish Inns, and Akorn Inc. In his later career he served on multiple boards and invested in real estate, hotels, and other ventures.

Doyle always honored the Lord as his top priority, having worked extensively to found and/or fund several organizations such as Agape Foster Care and Counseling, Korean Christian College Fund, Faith Family Medical Center, Brightstone, The Cleavis & Pearl Gaw Scholarship Fund at Lipscomb University, and many others. Doyle and Ranelle have been active members at Otter Creek Church of Christ for over 55 years. Through his preaching, teaching, giving, business pursuits, and daily walk of faith he influenced countless numbers of people for Christ.

Above all else, Doyle lived every day for the Lord and for his family. He had a deep desire to protect and nurture those he loved. His relationship with his wife was a sweet and tender one, and she was his true soulmate. He worked tirelessly to be a good provider and example for his children. He viewed himself as extremely blessed and tried to use those blessings for the benefit of those he loved and those in need.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to one of the causes that Doyle was passionate about: Agape of Nashville, Faith Family Medical Clinic, or the Cleavis & Pearl Gaw Scholarship Fund at Lipscomb University.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 19 from 5 pm to 7 pm and Friday, April 20, 2018 between 11 am and noon. The memorial service will begin at noon with burial immediately following. Visitations and the memorial service will be held at Otter Creek Church at 409 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027.