Beaufort, SC, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Kenneth Lynn Tootle, a revered lawyer and family man, passed away peacefully in Beaufort, South Carolina. He is survived by his life partner, children, and grandchildren. Tootle was known for his significant contributions to the legal field and his passion for the Lowcountry lifestyle, including sports and music. His family is planning a celebration of his life in October.
Beaufort, S.C. – Kenneth Lynn Tootle, a respected lawyer and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at his home in Beaufort, South Carolina, on August 25, 2025, at the age of 75.
Kenny Tootle is survived by his life partner, Constance Kearns Tootle. He leaves behind four children: K. Lynn Tootle, Jr. of Savannah, Georgia; Caroline Hayden of Charleston, Tennessee; C. Douglas Tootle, III of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Christian K. Tootle of Beaufort. Additionally, he was a devoted grandfather, with three grandchildren: Nick, Julia, and Maggie Tootle; and Luke, Kellen, and Emery Hayden. His siblings and extended family also mourn his loss, including his brother, Charles D. Tootle, Jr. of Beaufort, his sister, Beth T. Coffield of Bluffton, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born on April 9, 1950, in Quantico, Virginia, Kenny was the son of the late Charles Douglas Tootle and Mavis Claire Tootle. He graduated from Beaufort High School in 1968 before pursuing higher education at Spartanburg Methodist Junior College, where he graduated in 1970, and Georgia Southern College, graduating in 1972. He earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1974.
Tootle’s legal career was notable, marked by his membership in the South Carolina Bar Association and the South Carolina Association of Trial Lawyers, spanning over 45 years. He achieved recognition for winning a landmark case that progressed to the Supreme Court of South Carolina, establishing significant rights for women regarding child adoption.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Tootle was a passionate lover of the Lowcountry lifestyle, frequently engaging in hunting, fishing, and golfing. A founding member of the Good Ole Boys Crappie Fishin’ Expedition, he cherished the joys of spending time on the water.
Notably, Tootle was an exceptional storyteller and shared many cherished memories of his youth, including his time as a lifeguard at Hunting Island beach. He was ardent about sports and could often be found on the sidelines, actively coaching local youth baseball and football teams. Additionally, he was a dedicated fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Atlanta Braves, and the Washington Redskins.
Music was another passion for Kenny, who played the guitar and harmonica and sang tenor as part of the St. Helena’s Anglican Church choir. His vibrant personality was evident in his energetic shag dancing at local events, and he enjoyed hosting gatherings for family and friends. The family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the caretakers and hospice providers from Amedisys Hospice Care for their support during Kenny’s final days.
The family plans to announce a celebration of his life scheduled for October. In the meantime, arrangements are being handled by Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.
FAQ
- What was Kenneth Lynn Tootle’s profession?
- Kenny Tootle was a lawyer, having practiced for over 45 years in South Carolina.
- What is the significance of Kenny Tootle’s legal career?
- He was a distinguished member of the South Carolina Bar Association and won a landmark case regarding adoption rights that reached the Supreme Court of South Carolina.
- Where and when did Kenny Tootle pass away?
- Kenny Tootle passed away at his home in Beaufort, South Carolina, on August 25, 2025.
- What activities did Kenny enjoy?
- He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, coaching youth sports, and was a passionate fan of various sports teams. He also had a love for music and storytelling.
- Will there be any memorial services for Kenny Tootle?
- Yes, the family plans to announce a celebration of life in October.
Key Features of Kenneth Lynn Tootle’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1950 |
| Date of Death | August 25, 2025 |
| Age | 75 years |
| Legal Career Duration | Over 45 years |
| Survived By | Life partner, 4 children, 6 grandchildren, siblings |
| Hobbies | Fishing, hunting, golfing, coaching |
| Music Interests | Playing guitar and harmonica, singing in choir |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Remembering Kenneth Lynn Tootle: A Community Pillar
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Kenneth Lynn Tootle
- Wikipedia: Lawyer
- Legacy: Alvin Wilder Obituary
- Google Search: Kenneth Lynn Tootle
- Your Island News: Theresa Marie Russell Raino
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law
- Legacy: John Tootle Obituary
- Google News: Kenneth Tootle
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.
