Donald Kent Dooley

Donald Kent Dooley passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at the age of 87.

Don was born in Hurt, Virginia, to Frank and Ruth Dooley, and later moved with his family to Lowry, Virginia. He married his high school sweetheart, Patsy Ayers, and together they raised three children– Brian, Beth and Dana. Their marriage grew stronger with time and through life’s challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of their son, Brian, in1995. Don spent most of his life in Bedford, where he built a life centered on family, faith, hard work and community. In their later years, Don and Patsy moved to Ocala, Florida, where they enjoyed their golden years in an active senior community.

He graduated from Bedford High School and continued his education at the Apprentice School Newport News Shipbuilding where he studied to be a draftsman. He began his career at the Virginia Highway Department and later General Electric. Possessing a true entrepreneurial spirit, he stepped away from the corporate world for a time to own and operate a convenience store, gas station, and restaurant before ultimately returning to engineering support work at Babcock & Wilcox and retiring from Framatome Inc., a Nuclear Service Company, in 2000 as a Design Engineer. Upon retiring, Don became a self educated investor and enjoyed following the stock market.

Throughout his career and in every chapter of his life, Don was known not only for his unparalleled work ethic, but also for his kindness and generosity. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. In his younger years, he spent many hours helping his father-in-law on the family farm—experiences that later produced a collection of amusing stories that remain family favorites.

Though not naturally an extrovert, Don had a warm demeanor that drew people to him. He often said he was not much of a fan of small talk, yet his gift for storytelling and his wicked sense of humor meant that once a conversation began, he often became the center of it—never intentionally, but simply because people loved listening. Around a dinner table, at a family gathering, or over drinks at a party or happy hour, Don’s stories and jokes created instant friendships and had family members begging for “just one more.”

Don had a deep love for the outdoors. In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and later in life he found great enjoyment on the golf course. He and Patsy also shared a love of travel and adventure, cruising together to destinations around the world and making treasured memories along the way. Don was also a fiercely loyal sports fan, faithfully cheering for the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago White Sox through every season.

Family meant everything to Don. He treasured family gatherings and was a favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren captured his heart in a way that was obvious to anyone who spoke with him—even in passing. He was immensely proud of them and never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments or travel the distance to be present for important moments in their lives.

He is preceded in death by his son, Brian, father, Frank, mother, Ruth, brother, Frank, Jr., and brother, Terry Lee. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patsy A. Dooley; his daughters, Beth Lenore Dooley and Dana Dooley Kelly; his grandchildren Brian Kent Dooley II, Stacia Gabrielle Dooley, and Sloane Elizabeth Kelly; three great-grandchildren, Ayla, Brian and Gavyn and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Don was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford, Virginia where he served as a Trustee. He also participated in civic organizations including the Bedford Lions Club, and was president of his neighborhood association.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, and because of the deep and enduring love he shared with his wife of 68 years, a joint celebration of life honoring both Don and Patsy will be held at a date to be determined.

Don will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, his stories, and above all for the love and devotion he showed to his family throughout his life.