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Celebrating the life of

William S. "Billy" Doolan Jr

June 03, 1952 - February 16, 2016

"Smiling Billy"

William S.

SAVANNAH – William Stapleton Doolan Jr (Billy), 63, passed away February 15, 2016. Born June 3, 1952 in Savannah, he was the son of William Stapleton Doolan Sr and Helen Marie Whelan Doolan. He graduated from Seymour High School in Indiana and attended Indiana University before returning home to Savannah. He was a skilled craftsman, working most of his life restoring, preserving and beautifying homes and buildings in his beloved city and its surrounding islands.

Billy was a longtime member of the Savannah Hibernian Society. He was a gifted golfer, slalom skier and fisherman. He was known to most as “Smiling Billy” or simply “Smilin” which serves as a most accurate and appropriate description of his life and legacy.

Billy is survived by his son, William S Doolan III (Ambre) and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, William S Doolan Sr and six siblings: James P Doolan (Stephanie), Cindy D Murphy (Walter), Shelley M Doolan, Brent W Doolan (Cindy), Colleen D Gilmore (Chatt), and C Suzanne Doolan and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on February 22 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The funeral service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests any remembrances be made in his memory to Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity or The Fresh Air Home.

 

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GUEST BOOK

Pete & I are so very sorry for the loss of your brother, Billy. So many memories came flooding back - just can't help but smile. He was "one of a kind", that's for sure. You are all in our prayers.

- Pam Moss, Seymour, IN

So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.

- Martha Banta Griffith, Seymour, In

Billy,Amber and the girls, Brent Sr.,Cindy,Kristen,Brent Jr, and the rest of the Doolan family. Our thoughts and Prays are with each of you. May God give you comfort in the coming days.

- The Deason Family, Havana, Fl.

Having known Billy nearly all of my life his passing is a great loss! I pray peace for all of the family and please know that he was a great man. His loss saddens many but surely not as much as each of you. God speed peace and comfort to you all! May the angels of peace hold and comfort each of you!

- Mike Hosti, Tybee island, GA

I've known Billy well over 40 years but never was really a close friend until we both happened to buy a house a couple of miles from each other down from coffe bluff with his great carpenter skills he help transform my little barrack style house into a great little homes a garden house anyone would be proud to own the fire place we installed with a real chimney is the bomb Billy sure became a close and dear friend over the last few years and I know when ever I light a fire in my new fireplace I will never ever forget my friend God bless you Billy for all your help and making my house a home I am really going to miss you

- Will Jordan, Savannah, ga

I'm so saddened by the loss of Billy. I met him over 17 years ago and we became great friends, I have a huge hole in my heart and I wish the family comfort and peace. He will never be forgotten and has a special place in my heart RIP

- Naomi , Lafayette , Indiana

This unexpected death of my dear friend Smilin' Billy will leave a hole that cannot be filled by any other person on the planet. I am forever grateful that God put him in my path and we became instant friends, a friendship that only grew as the years went by. He was a caring man who always welcomed his friends and family. So extremely proud of " Little Billy" , his pride and joy, as it should be. I considered him part of my family, my daughter Savannah called him " Uncle Billy" my prayers go out to all that grieve him and for healing through all of the wonderful memories that each person has. Billy will be deeply missed, until we meet again, my friend. Much love, Tamara Holt

- Tamara Holt, Bath, ME

We send our sympathy to the entire Doolan family.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia

To the Doolan Family, We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great friend to us. Always had that big smile on his face and was such a caring man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May you have peace and comfort in the days to come. RIP my friend...

- George and Karen Reese, Tybee Island, GA

We're so saddened by the death of Billy. Our hearts go out to you, Little Billy and your whole family. We will always have such wonderful memories to remember Smilin' Billy by.

- Nell klein, Tybee island, Ga

Remembering Billy Doolan and the rest of the clan from growing up in Seymour back in the 60's and 70's. Sincere condolences to his family and sharing in their grief over his untimely passing. May he Rest In Peace and may the Lord bless and keep him and his family in His loving embrace. In Jesus' Name.

- Richard L. Clark ( Rick ), Seymour, In.

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of you all and you are in my prayers.

- Robin Brown Schmidt, New Smyrna Beach, FL

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of you all and you are in my prayers.

- Robin Brown Schmidt, New Smyrna Beach, FL

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Doolan family. Billy always had a big heart and cared about others. I have fond memories of Billy; and of course he always had that cute Doolan grin. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him. Liz Larrison

- Liz Larrison , Seymour, IN

My heart goes out to little Billy, Pop-Pop,my daddy, and the whole Doolan clan?? Sending lots of love from Texas!! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!! Rest in peace, Uncle Billy!!

- Katie Easterday, Spring, Tx

Doolans, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you all are in my prayers! Mary Rita

- mary rita gerth carlson, seymour, In

My heart is very sad for the untimely death of Billy. I extend my deepest sympathy to his son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, to each and all family members, especially his dear father. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless & my love.

- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA

We would like to extend our deepest regrets and sympathies to William III (still hard for me to say, Billy)Amber & the girls, Jan, and all of the Doolan family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From: Don& Anita; Bob, the Boys, & Andi; Julie & Ellen; Brian, Robin, Ben & Leslie.

- The Wellers, Far & Near, IN

Cousins, I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked when Jack called and told me the news. I will never forget that smile and laugh. I have such fond memories of our summers at the Doolan's cottage on Tybee. There are no words to express the sadness. He gave me my nick name that the family still calls me today. He will live forever in my heart. If I can do anything, please let me know. God bless all of you -- Cissy

- Mary Ellen Colcock Elmore, Canton, Ga.

Billy was a friend and classmate. Will always remember that smile. He will be missed. Prayers for the Doolan family and friends

- Jana Sciarra Plump, Seymour, IN

I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. We have been friends since we were 16 years old. He has been a great friend and a comfort to me over the last year during my illness. I will miss him. Gone but never forgotten. RIP my friend. Bobby Durden

- Bobby Duden, Midway, Ga

Billy was one of my better friends growing up in Seymour. My heartfelt sadness runs deep. Prayers for the Doolan family and Billy's many friends. Loved you Billy!

- Dick McNeely, Camby, In

Pete & I are so very sorry for the loss of your brother, Billy. So many memories came flooding back - just can't help but smile. He was "one of a kind", that's for sure. You are all in our prayers.

- Pam Moss, Seymour, IN

So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.

- Martha Banta Griffith, Seymour, In

Billy,Amber and the girls, Brent Sr.,Cindy,Kristen,Brent Jr, and the rest of the Doolan family. Our thoughts and Prays are with each of you. May God give you comfort in the coming days.

- The Deason Family, Havana, Fl.

Having known Billy nearly all of my life his passing is a great loss! I pray peace for all of the family and please know that he was a great man. His loss saddens many but surely not as much as each of you. God speed peace and comfort to you all! May the angels of peace hold and comfort each of you!

- Mike Hosti, Tybee island, GA

I've known Billy well over 40 years but never was really a close friend until we both happened to buy a house a couple of miles from each other down from coffe bluff with his great carpenter skills he help transform my little barrack style house into a great little homes a garden house anyone would be proud to own the fire place we installed with a real chimney is the bomb Billy sure became a close and dear friend over the last few years and I know when ever I light a fire in my new fireplace I will never ever forget my friend God bless you Billy for all your help and making my house a home I am really going to miss you

- Will Jordan, Savannah, ga

I'm so saddened by the loss of Billy. I met him over 17 years ago and we became great friends, I have a huge hole in my heart and I wish the family comfort and peace. He will never be forgotten and has a special place in my heart RIP

- Naomi , Lafayette , Indiana

This unexpected death of my dear friend Smilin' Billy will leave a hole that cannot be filled by any other person on the planet. I am forever grateful that God put him in my path and we became instant friends, a friendship that only grew as the years went by. He was a caring man who always welcomed his friends and family. So extremely proud of " Little Billy" , his pride and joy, as it should be. I considered him part of my family, my daughter Savannah called him " Uncle Billy" my prayers go out to all that grieve him and for healing through all of the wonderful memories that each person has. Billy will be deeply missed, until we meet again, my friend. Much love, Tamara Holt

- Tamara Holt, Bath, ME

We send our sympathy to the entire Doolan family.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia

To the Doolan Family, We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great friend to us. Always had that big smile on his face and was such a caring man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May you have peace and comfort in the days to come. RIP my friend...

- George and Karen Reese, Tybee Island, GA

We're so saddened by the death of Billy. Our hearts go out to you, Little Billy and your whole family. We will always have such wonderful memories to remember Smilin' Billy by.

- Nell klein, Tybee island, Ga

Remembering Billy Doolan and the rest of the clan from growing up in Seymour back in the 60's and 70's. Sincere condolences to his family and sharing in their grief over his untimely passing. May he Rest In Peace and may the Lord bless and keep him and his family in His loving embrace. In Jesus' Name.

- Richard L. Clark ( Rick ), Seymour, In.

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of you all and you are in my prayers.

- Robin Brown Schmidt, New Smyrna Beach, FL

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of you all and you are in my prayers.

- Robin Brown Schmidt, New Smyrna Beach, FL

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Doolan family. Billy always had a big heart and cared about others. I have fond memories of Billy; and of course he always had that cute Doolan grin. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him. Liz Larrison

- Liz Larrison , Seymour, IN

My heart goes out to little Billy, Pop-Pop,my daddy, and the whole Doolan clan?? Sending lots of love from Texas!! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!! Rest in peace, Uncle Billy!!

- Katie Easterday, Spring, Tx

Doolans, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you all are in my prayers! Mary Rita

- mary rita gerth carlson, seymour, In

My heart is very sad for the untimely death of Billy. I extend my deepest sympathy to his son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, to each and all family members, especially his dear father. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless & my love.

- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA

We would like to extend our deepest regrets and sympathies to William III (still hard for me to say, Billy)Amber & the girls, Jan, and all of the Doolan family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From: Don& Anita; Bob, the Boys, & Andi; Julie & Ellen; Brian, Robin, Ben & Leslie.

- The Wellers, Far & Near, IN

Cousins, I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked when Jack called and told me the news. I will never forget that smile and laugh. I have such fond memories of our summers at the Doolan's cottage on Tybee. There are no words to express the sadness. He gave me my nick name that the family still calls me today. He will live forever in my heart. If I can do anything, please let me know. God bless all of you -- Cissy

- Mary Ellen Colcock Elmore, Canton, Ga.

Billy was a friend and classmate. Will always remember that smile. He will be missed. Prayers for the Doolan family and friends

- Jana Sciarra Plump, Seymour, IN

I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. We have been friends since we were 16 years old. He has been a great friend and a comfort to me over the last year during my illness. I will miss him. Gone but never forgotten. RIP my friend. Bobby Durden

- Bobby Duden, Midway, Ga

Billy was one of my better friends growing up in Seymour. My heartfelt sadness runs deep. Prayers for the Doolan family and Billy's many friends. Loved you Billy!

- Dick McNeely, Camby, In

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200