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Tom Dooley Obituary

Tom J. Dooley, one of Colorado's finest and treasured artists, passed away on September 12, 2010 in Colorado Springs at the age of 67. Tom was born on December 31, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late James and Mary Lee Turner. Even at a young age Tom possessed a natural talent and love for art and knew that painting would be his destiny. At age 16, he enrolled at the Miami Artist School in Miami, Florida, making him their youngest full-time student. A year later he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Worms, Germany where he married and started a family. In 1966 he served with the 25th Infantry Division deployed to the Republic of South Vietnam. He was honored to be one of the few chosen to participate in the Combat Artist Program instituted by the Department of Defense and he spent 18 months recording the war through art, via drawing, photography, painting and writing. In 1971, Tom's passion for painting and dream of being a fine artist came true when he moved his family to Colorado Springs. In March, 1988 he married his second wife and fellow artist, Virginia "Jenny Smith", and together they owned and operated Tom Dooley Galleries located in Old Colorado City for over 13 years. He was a member of the Colorado Artist Guild, Rocky Mountain Sertoma Club, was a Past President of Exchange and was honored by the State of Alabama in 1989 for his artistic career. Tom will not only be remembered for his artistic accomplishments, but also for his love of his family, friends and patriotism to his country. Tom is survived by his wife, Virginia, and by his children; Robert and Raymond Turner and Kim Peters; step-daughters, Valerie (Tom) Hudson and Laurie (Tom) Barron; siblings, Mary "Ann" Clark, Jamie "Sue" (Charlie) Hartley and by seven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, James Turner III and sister, Roslie Turner. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1409 Palmer Park Blvd. in Colorado Springs.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Sep. 16 to Sep. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Dooley

Not sure what to say?





Ray Bowers

September 10, 2021

We still miss you Tom. Every time I go to a swap meet or a gun show I think of our good times together.
Rest in peace my friend.
Ray and Monika Bowers

Robert Turner

March 18, 2021

I miss you every day Dad. I think of you often. I Love you.

September 23, 2010

Tom was indeed a special artist and person. I will always treasure my paintings of Helen Hunt Falls and Seven Falls that he did for me in the 80's. My sympathy to all his beloved family and many friends. L. Joiner
Colorado Springs

Ken and Bea Faucett

September 20, 2010

We were fortunate to have met Tom at Kemper Galleries in the 1970's where we purchased several of his paintings which we have enjoyed for 30 yrs. He was not only a talented artist, but a kind and generous person...always introducing us as "My friends, Bea and Ken". Loved his smile! He was always obliging. We invited Tom to give an art presentation to a class we were taking at Colorado College. He completed a lovely painting and gave it to us. We cherish it. He also gave presentations to young children we were teaching at the time. Their smiles are still vivid in my memory as he encouraged them to be creative.
Our deepest sympathy to all his family and may they be comforted knowing that his memory will live on through his art and the lives of those he touched with his presence.

September 19, 2010

Dear Virginia,
I am saddened to read of Tom's passing.
Please know that my love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Gail Piper

September 17, 2010

Buddy was pretty distant family to me, I guess. I was lucky enough to meet him a few times, though, and to see his art for much of my life. When I heard that Buddy wasn't doing well this summer I wanted to write him, tell him how much of an influence he has been on me. I didn't get the chance.

You can read Buddy's passion for art, his deep love of life and his mountains in every stroke of his brush. I've spent years admiring and studying his work, staring at the print on my wall, going through the book he gave me, picking apart the painting at my Uncle Hugh's until I could memorize the strokes. You don't get many chances in life to know real masters. I wish I had known Buddy better.

I still remember a piece of advice Buddy gave me once when he was visiting Niagara falls.

"Don't waste your time buttering toast. Butter your lips and slide the bread through."

Sage advice. I truly wish I knew you better, Buddy, but you'll live on in every masterpiece you created and every artist you inspired, in your family that loves you, and your friends that will miss you every day. Thank you.

Benjamin Caplan

September 17, 2010

Buddy was pretty distant family to me, I guess. I was lucky enough to meet him a few times, though, and to see his art for much of my life. When I heard that Buddy wasn't doing well this summer I wanted to write him, tell him how much of an influence he has been on me. I didn't get the chance.

You can read Buddy's passion for art, his deep love of life and his mountains in every stroke of his brush. I've spent years admiring and studying his work, staring at the print on my wall, going through the book he gave me, picking apart the painting at my Uncle Hugh's until I could memorize the strokes. You don't get many chances in life to know real masters. I wish I had known Buddy better.

I still remember a piece of advice Buddy gave me once when he was visiting Niagara falls.

"Don't waste your time buttering toast. Butter your lips and slide the bread through."

Sage advice. I truly wish I knew you better, Buddy, but you'll live on in every masterpiece you created and every artist you inspired, in your family that loves you, and your friends that will miss you every day. Thank you.

Rose Young

September 17, 2010

Tom Dooley was larger than life. I was his daughter in law, wife of Jim Turner, for 17 years and can attest to the extreme generosity, deep empathy, and unparalleled enthusiasm that Tom had for all of life. He never tired of giving and doing for others. He remained dear to me even after the death of his son changed our relationship. You'll always be the brightest star in the sky, Tom, and we will miss you always. Rest well, you have earned it! My most heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Tom (and there are many!) Blessings to his family, Kim, Ray, Bob, and of course Jenny.

September 17, 2010

Tom I will always remember you as my wonderful friend! There are so many wonderful memories, "Buddy and the Belveder's ,N.E.A.T.(Freddie Forrest),"Paint Brush", and "Snuffy Smith", "Cadillac's, and Lincoln's", "Miami brick Co" The painting presented to me,by you, the morning after my own Fathers Death(1976).The many times we spent, the many things you taught me about life,humor, and how to love people in a special way.
A genius,in your own right, You my Friend will be missed by all!I am in extreme grief for you....
I LOVE YOU,
david a. zallar

September 17, 2010

God broke the mold when he made Tom. There will never be another Tom. Both Pat & I will Treasure our memorys of him forever. May God bless his family he blessed us by letting us know Tom. Ed & Pat Hauser

Marion Caplan

September 16, 2010

We did and will miss Buddy's unique and hilarious humor at the family reunions. He'll be incredibly missed. Rest in peace cuz.

Robyn Caplan

September 16, 2010

Although I only received the pleasure of meeting him 4 or 5 times, they were all for extended periods of time. He was my cousin, an inspiration to my brother and myself, and an all around wonderful man. I am deeply saddened by our loss of Buddy. I send my regards to Jenny, his loving partner, and the rest of our family.

Mikki Caplan

September 16, 2010

Although I only met my cousin Buddy a few times, I will always remember him fondly! He had an amazing light and energy around him, and brought joy and creativity to every situation. He will be greatly missed!
Love his little Canadian Cousin

Jennifer Oney

September 16, 2010

Uncle Buddy I truely miss you and love you very much! Have fun painting all the beautiful scenes from Gods window.
Love your great niece,

Ray Bowers

September 16, 2010

Tom was very special. We will always cherish
the fun times we had together.
Our prayers go out to the family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Ray and Monika Bowers

September 16, 2010

I ENJOY SEVERAL OF YOUR PRINTS IN MY HOME. CAROLYN BAUMAN, MO

Jerry Brown

September 16, 2010

Each time I see a starry, starry night or gaze at Pikes Peak, I'll remember you, dear friend.

Barbara Carpenter

September 16, 2010

I am so sorry for the loss of this dear man to his family and all of us who have enjoyed his artistic talents for so many years. "Blessed are those who grieve, for they shall be comforted."

September 16, 2010

Tom Dooley taught me so much about art, but one of my fondest memories is when he showed our art class Jesus' face on Pikes Peak. B. Goodwin

Brandon Berndt

September 16, 2010

I miss you Uncle Bud! I love you. God speed my friend.

Your Great Nephew,

Brandon Berndt

Clara Meury

September 16, 2010

Ray, Patti and all the family of Tom, I am sorry for your loss of your dad, grandfather, and all he meant to each of you. May the Lord hold you each close and comfort you at this difficult time.

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