Doyle Ruben Brock

Doyle Ruben Brock, 100, of the Milltown Community in Robbinsville, NC went to his Heavenly home, Wednesday April 29, 2026, at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy, NC.

     A resident of Graham County for 97 years, he was born in Proctor, NC, referenced often by him as "born on Hazel Creek," to the late Ruben and Sarah Jenkins Brock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Cole Brock in 2016, after being married for 69 years, brother, Hoyett Brock, and sister, Darlena Rowland.

 
     Doyle faithfully lived his life as a Christian.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served his country during WWII from 1943 until 1946. He was proud to have served two years on Iwo Jima.
After returning to Robbinsville from WWII, he met "the prettiest redhead he'd seen in ages," Helen, that became his wife in 1947 and later the mother of his three children.  He attended Blanton's Business College. He worked with Bemis Lumber Company for 43 years until retirement and then worked for 17 years with Havco Wood Products. After 60 years in wood products, he retired but remained interested in the wood industry that he knew so well and remained connected to the many people he worked with over the years.

     Doyle was a member of the Robbinsville First Baptist Church for 90 years where he was active as a Deacon, teacher and a member of various church committees. He was also active in community groups, including the Lions Club for 67 years, Graham County Historical Committee, District Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees for 27 years, as well as other community functions. He loved to tell his stories and share the history of Graham County.   He often referred to himself as "the ole man of the mountains."
Doyle's blessings over his lifetime were many but he cherished his family most of all.

   He is survived by his son, Tim Brock (Sally) of Hayesville, NC; daughters, Kim Williams (Rusty) of Andrews, NC, and Karen Ingram of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Craig Brock (Nancy), Doug Brock (Lauren), Ashley Zimmerman (Erik), Adam Williams (Abby), Ryan Swanson (Ellen), and great grandchildren, Henson and Lilly Brock, Jackson Zimmerman, Clare, Gunnar, Louise Williams and a great-grandson on the way who will be named Brock Swanson.

     Doyle was also blessed with an extended family including nieces and nephews, Michael Brock (Pat), Lynn Hollifield (Fran) and Linda Stack (Bill); a faithful group of close friends & neighbors including Doyle Hyde, Dennis Curtis, Eddie Anderson & Mitch Rogers and some precious caregivers Cheyenne Phillips, Brenda Burchfield and Tonya Phillips.

     Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Robbinsville First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00, preceding the service. Reverend Noah Crowe will officiate. Pallbearers are Craig Brock, Doug Brock, Adam Williams, Erik Zimmerman, Ryan Swanson and Trevor Buchanan. Burial will follow the service at the Old Mother Cemetery where Military Rites and flag presentation will be conducted by the US Naval Honor Guard and the Carringer-Webster VFW Post #8635 and the Eller-Rogers American Legion Post #192.

     Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Brock Family.