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BORN
1950
DIED
2012
Randy Doty Obituary
Pensacola, FL - Randy "Skip" Doty, 62, of Perdido Key, Florida passed away on July 31, 2012.
Skip was born in Jacksonville, NC on May 25, 1950 to William and Claire "Penny" Doty.
As a military child, Skip grew up in numerous places, including Quantico, VA, Oceanside, CA, Norfolk, VA, and Taipei, Taiwan, graduating from High School at the Taipei American School in 1969.
Skip trained as an Engineer at the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School in Baltimore, Maryland, graduating in 1973.
Skip had a lifelong love of the sea, and enjoyed a distinguished career as a nautical engineer and Merchant Marine.
He served as an engineer aboard various ships, before beginning work in 1978 with the Energy Transportation Corporation (ETC) as an engineer aboard liquefied natural gas tankers (LNGs).
In 1982, while working aboard the LNG Aries, Skip risked his life to rescue 47 Vietnamese refugees from a 35 foot wooden boat in heavy seas about 200 miles off of the Vietnamese coast. For his bravery he was awarded the Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal by the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration.
Skip served as Chief Engineer beginning in 1991, serving aboard the LNG Aries and the LNG Capricorn. He retired from ETC and his service as a Merchant Marine in 2001.
When not out at sea, Skip stayed close to the water, living in Norfolk, VA, Pensacola, FL, and finally Perdido Key, FL. After his retirement, he repaired and renovated marine vessels and also worked as a yacht broker.
Skip was a member of The Norfolk Yacht and Country Club and the Norfolk Sertoma Club.
He is survived by his mother Penny Doty, wife Paula Doty, son and daughter Joe and Kate Doty, stepson and stepdaughter Brian and Katie Adams, and three older sisters Lee Dorsey (Jack), Lynda Tober (Ed), and Linet Dudley (Tom).
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Perdido Bay Methodist Church at 13660 Innerarity Point Road, Pensacola, FL 32507. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 or at www.covenanthospice.org.
Trahan Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randy Doty
Sponsored by His Loved Ones.
Jo-Anne Dorman
July 31, 2019
Skip was a nice person that will always be remembered.
Alana Glaves
October 25, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. To be a member of Penny's family, from the way she speaks of them, is to be a member of the most precious, most loved, most appreciated group in existence. And to my dear friend, Penny, I'd so very much love to get back in touch with you. I miss you so much and would love to be there for you as we were for each other until shortly before you had to move out of your house. The dogs miss you too whenever we walk past your house. Call me if you want me to come see you or just to chat. (757) 348-1086
Much love forever,
Alana
Howard & Pam Thursby
September 2, 2012
Paula, We were so sorry to hear of Skip's passing. We remember you both from Taipei and it was great to see you in New Orleans a few years back.
Frank Leo
August 22, 2012
Dear Doty Family,
I worked with Skip for many years on the Aries and Capricorn and have many stories (still told) of our great times together. Skip was a great friend.
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August 9, 2012
Dear Paula,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. He sounded like a wonderful person and I know he will be missed by all.
Know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Bonnie Dorman Mead & family, Pensacola, Florida
Elvira Gurley
August 8, 2012
Dear Mrs.Doty,
I was so very sorry to hear about Skip's passing. I will keep you and your wonderful family in my thoughts and prayers.
Virginia Armstrong
August 7, 2012
Dear Penny, I'm so sorry to hear about SKIP. We all had great fun in Norfolk, VA with you and your family. I will have you in my prayers. LOVE, Virginia Hitch Armstrong (Ruth Hitch's daughter)
Robert (Bob) Rice
August 7, 2012
Dear Doty Family,
I worked for Skip aboard the LNG Capricorn for over 10 years. Skip was the most talented engineer I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Some engineers are great welders, others are great electricians and so forth, Skip was great at everything and I am the engineer I am today because of people like him who took an interest in my career and helped me on my journey. What a tragic loss, please accept my humble condolences.
Bob Rice
Chief Engineer
Tyco Subcom Cable Ship Company
Larry Dickens
August 7, 2012
I was saddened to hear of Skip's passing. When reading his obituary, I was reminded of his heroism during that 1982 rescue of Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea on the LNG Aries. I was third officer at the time of the rescue and on the Bridge. Though I didn't see first-hand what had transpired on deck, I later heard that Skip and another person were positioned at the end of the gangway assisting the refugees onboard as they were hauled up by the ship's crew from the boat to the gangway by the lifting line. Due to the large swells that were running that day, it was not possible for the refugees to safely pass the most fragile of their compliment – their babies – to the vessel via the lifting line. Skip and the other gentleman were down on the gangway platform and every time the swell crested in the tumultuous sea, the men in the boat would hand pass a baby to Skip's outstretched hands. The baby was then passed to another crewman and carried up the gangway to safety. This was repeated several times and all of the babies were saved. Somewhere in the country today are those babies, now grown adults, thanks to the brave stranger who reached his hands out to help them.
My sincere condolences to Paula and the family during this sad time. I recall Skip as being a fun and good-natured shipmate, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to sail with him.
Debbie Shally
August 7, 2012
Dear Mrs. Doty, My family was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Doty. My children have many fond memories of his days in the classroom with you. You will continue to be in our prayers.
August 7, 2012
Dear Paula,
We are so sorry for your husband's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your friends,
Dee and Lacey
August 7, 2012
Dear Paula,
We are so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Your friends,
Dee and Lacey
August 7, 2012
So, So sorry 2 read of this Mrs. Paula! Hugs and grand memories to you! Please keep in touch and know you make a difference in so many lives; my children included! It is so obvious that you two share something beautiful that few obtain! Gentle sunrises and softly filled sails! the Woolford Family
Laura Evans
August 6, 2012
Uncle Skip was a one-of-a-kind, life-of-the-party, fun-loving, Rockstar Uncle. He was also a hard-working hero. Pretty rare combination. He walked to the beat of his own drum and was loved by so many for it. My prayers and thoughts are with those who are left behind who have loved him dearly, including my Aunt Paula and his two beautiful children, Kate and Joe. There are lots of people in Colorado thinking of you all right now who are here for you now and forever. You will be missed Uncle Skip but we were all so blessed to have known you. I know you are shining down on us all from heaven!!!!!
August 6, 2012
Paula, Linet told me not too long ago that you were Skip's first love when he met you in Taipei High School. How lucky he was to find you again to complete his life. He loved you so much Paula. Skip fought so hard to stay in our lives as long as he could and he gave us that precious extra time to visit with you both. And oh what a time we had! Thank you Paula for being so strong. I know there will be tears in heaven when you are with him again...I love you sister...Lynda
Jo-Anne Dorman
August 6, 2012
I remember Skip's nice smile! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love,
Jo-Anne
Suzanne Clark
August 6, 2012
Paula, I am so very sorry. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Marie Maloney
August 6, 2012
Skip was such a wonderful, caring man. He was an incredible Uncle and friend, and we have all been touched by his beautiful life. We miss him greatly, and will always love him dearly. Paula we love you so much. Please know that we are thinking of you, and that we are so grateful Skip has had you in his life. Love Always – Marie, John, Jack and Trevor Maloney
Kathy Shook
August 6, 2012
Skip was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Paula and family, please know you are in my prayers.
August 5, 2012
Skip was a remarkable, honorable man and I am grateful to have known him. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Vicki McNamara
Angela Mott
August 5, 2012
Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Claire Linet Dudley
August 5, 2012
My little brother, Skip, will remain in my aching heart each and everyday. No sister ever loved a brother more. He is so much like our Dad, a hero. Knowing that you are now at peace and with Dad in Heaven, we will all begin the healing process by finding peace and happiness in your beautiful smile. I love you, Linet
The Roth Family
August 5, 2012
We'd like to express our sincere condolences to Paula and her family for this great loss. Paula, you have been a wonderful teacher to both of our grandchildren. We love you and just know that our prayers and thoughts are of you at this very difficult time.
Tony Hilton
August 5, 2012
Skip was a fun-loving man, who made everyone feel like they were his friend. He was also an intense, hard worker. We were blessed to know him. Please accept our sincere condolences. Tony and Chris Hilton
Kate Doty
August 5, 2012
When I think of my father this saying from Dr. Seuss always pops in my head "When he worked, he really worked. But when he played, he really PLAYED!" No words can describe the pain and lost we all feel losing such a great man from our lives. Daddy~ I miss you so much and love you so very much! ~ love Kate
Mike Dudley
August 4, 2012
I remember Skip when we were at Taipei American School back in the 60's. He always seemed happy. He comes from a great family and he will be greatly missed.
Mike Dudley
August 4, 2012
I love you Dad,
Love Joe
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