Obituary of Paul W. Dolman

Paul Wilson Dolman, 68, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at his home in Fort Myers, Florida due to complications from multiple myeloma. He was born in Midland, Texas, the youngest son of Jack and Mary Dolman (both dec.) but grew up in the small town of Bartlesville, Oklahoma where he learned the values of honesty, hard work, and living by the golden rule. Paul graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in 1965 earning the Distinguished Military Student Award before enlisting in the Navy in 1967. Upon completion of submarine school in New London, CT, he served aboard several conventional and nuclear submarines as a communications and cryptographic specialist. One of his proudest moments was when he earned his dolphins aboard the USS Amberjack. Paul was honorably discharged in 1971. Once out of the service Paul became a licensed real estate salesman. Thus began a career in the oil and gas industry throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas as a petroleum landman. Although the oil and gas profession was a rewarding experience it was not his first passion. His real love was golf; Paul was passionate about studying all facets of golf. From the history of the game, course architecture, the science of teaching, the physics of playing, the technology of the tools of the game and the psychology of the people who competed at the highest level. Ready for a career change at the age of 44, Paul's first day in the golf profession was an entry level position at South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island on Thanksgiving Day in 1991. Working under the direction of PGA Tour Professional, Jerry Heard, Paul completed a three year apprenticeship program before being elected to membership in the Professional Golfers Association of America, an honor he would cherish for the remainder of his life. It was during the 1990's that Paul and Jerry collaborated to create and market a line of golf instruction books and videos. The first was "Golf Secrets of the Big - Money Pros" and the last was "The Key". He and Jerry also developed a line of clubs, balls and training aids. Professionally, Paul became Vice-President of Club Operations for Crown Colony Golf Management Company and the General Manager at Crown Colony Country Club and Riverwood Golf Club. As a testament to his energy, commitment, and business savvy, in 2000, nine years after his first job in the golf industry, Paul became co-owner of Silverthorn Country Club in Brooksville, FL. Paul officially retired in 2009, but his love of golf only intensified as he became a fixture at the Verandah Club. In addition to playing his regular Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday game, he practiced daily; always working to improve his swing. Even when his illness robbed him of strength, he continued to strive to improve his game to compensate for his physical limitations. Paul is survived by his dear and wonderful wife, Mary Louise Dolman. Ask anyone who knew Paul or Mary, they were meant for each other; they completed one another; they entered each other's life at just the right moment and were perfectly suited for what the other needed. Paul also developed special relationships with his two stepchildren, Sara Oliver and David Oliver and the four legged family members, Molly, Lexie, KathyKat, PizzaPizza. Paul also leaves his brother and mentor; Allan Dolman (wife Marietta), of Jacksonville, FL, Niece Mindy Watson and nephew Jon Dolman. Paul will be missed by his many golf buddies at the Verandah. A memorial service will be held at The Verandah Club, 12201 River Village Way, Ft Myers on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida or Hope Hospice.