Myrtle Beach, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Rita Lewis Doyle, a beloved restaurant owner and community figure in Myrtle Beach, has passed away at the age of 74. Known for her contributions to local businesses and the community, her funeral service is scheduled for October 28. Rita’s legacy will be remembered by her daughter, family, and the many lives she touched through her entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement.
Myrtle Beach witnessed the passing of Rita Lewis Doyle, a well-known restaurant owner and community figure, who died at the age of 74 on October 23. Her contributions to the local community extended beyond her business ventures, making her an esteemed figure among residents.
A funeral service for Rita will take place on October 28 at 2 p.m. at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel. The service will be officiated by Rev. Ken Herrington, and burial will follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. The family has announced that friends and well-wishers are welcome to gather at the funeral home from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service. An online guestbook is available on the Goldfinch Funeral Home website for those wishing to express their condolences.
Rita was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Harold Carlyle Lewis and the late Annie Ruth Youngblood Lewis Jones. She was the widow of Clarence E. Doyle Jr. Rita’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate popular dining establishments, including Country Kitchen and Arnie’s in Myrtle Beach. In addition, she managed Carolina Yacht Landing in Little River, where she utilized her skills as an interior designer, enhancing the interiors of homes and businesses alike.
Her community involvement was notable, particularly during her time as the First Lady of Potentate Clarence Doyle for the Omar Shrine Temple. Rita was a passionate person, known for her love of reading and animals. She found joy in listening to live music, especially oldies and classic rock, and enjoyed her role as a collector of antiques and coins. Her adventurous spirit and humor were evident in her leisure activities, including watching “Unsolved Mysteries” and true crime documentaries with her daughter, Jayna Doyle.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Jayna Doyle, who is married to Blake Arambula and resides in Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Patty Huff (Gary) of Greenville, and her brother, Mark Lewis (Cindy) of Liberty, South Carolina. Rita leaves behind three nephews: Geremy Huff (Tonya) of Greenville, Walter “Wally” Doyle (Dana) of Myrtle Beach, and Courtney Lewis (Laura) of Liberty, in addition to three nieces: Carla Lewis of Mt. Pleasant, and Kerry Brode (Brodie) and Wendy Smith (John Wendell) of Myrtle Beach.
Rita was also deeply fond of her caregivers, Dinah Flores and Valerie Nash, whom she considered as daughters and sisters. She will be remembered for her two cherished pets, referred to as her “furbabies,” named Monkey and Buck.
The community mourns the loss of Rita Lewis Doyle, reflecting on her numerous contributions and the positive impact she made as a business owner and a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rita Lewis Doyle pass away?
Rita Lewis Doyle passed away on October 23.
When is the funeral service for Rita Lewis Doyle?
A funeral service will be held on October 28 at 2 p.m. at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel.
Where will Rita Lewis Doyle be buried?
Burial will follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.
What businesses did Rita Lewis Doyle own?
Rita was the owner and operator of Country Kitchen and Arnie’s in Myrtle Beach and also operated Carolina Yacht Landing in Little River.
Who are Rita Lewis Doyle’s surviving family members?
Rita is survived by her daughter Jayna Doyle, a sister Patty Huff, a brother Mark Lewis, and several nephews and nieces.
Key Features of Rita Lewis Doyle’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Passing | October 23 |
| Funeral Date | October 28 at 2 p.m. |
| Place of Burial | Salem Baptist Church Cemetery |
| Business Ventures | Owner of Country Kitchen, Arnie’s, Carolina Yacht Landing |
| Surviving Family | Daughter Jayna Doyle, sister Patty Huff, brother Mark Lewis, and many nieces/nephews |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: Rita Lewis Doyle
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy.com: James Ceriani
- Google Search: Obituary News
- My Horry News: Clarence E. Doyle Jr.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Legacy.com: William Cameron
- Google News: Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
