Mike Dorman

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Jim Michael Dorman, 75, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Mike was born Jan. 23, 1949, to Marden Osgood Dorman and Ruby Paul Dorman of the Good Hope community in Conway, SC. 

Mike was a graduate of Myrtle Beach High School in 1967 and Campbell College in 1972. In 1970, Mike met the love of his life, Rhonda Martin in Danville, Virginia. Mike and Rhonda were inseparable for 52 years.

Rhonda is known for laughing at all of Mike’s jokes no matter how many times they were told. Mike and Rhonda worked together throughout their careers, first buying the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in Myrtle Beach in 1974 and expanding to add bridal and formal wear in 1985.

After selling their business, they started their second career in real estate. Mike and Rhonda loved travel — having a great time cross-country camping, visiting the lake house and going on numerous cruises. 

Mike had many hobbies. He was a fierce competitor and won a lot more than he lost. His greatest passion was for table tennis. He played Tuesday and Thursday before his passing on Saturday. 

Mike was inducted in the South Carolina Table Tennis Hall of Fame in September 2023. He was an integral member and promoter of the Myrtle Beach Table Tennis Club and would invite anyone he met. Mike was always willing to mentor other players. (He was not above playing left-handed to give new players a little more confidence.) Mike was also an avid golfer, boater and jet skier.

Mike was predeceased by his parents; sister-in-law, Eveyln Dorman; and brother-in-law, Philip Shearin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Dorman; seven siblings, Odell Dorman of Georgetown, Sherry Doyle of Conway, Carrie (C.C) Pharr of Asheboro, NC, Regina Shearin of Myrtle Beach, Lynn (Greg) Krippel of Myrtle Beach, Vanessa (Jeff) Gruenberg of Pawleys Island and Doug (Joan) Dorman of Myrtle Beach; and many, many well-loved nieces and nephews.

While Mike did not have children of his own, he was a favorite uncle to a multitude of nieces and nephews. His genuine interest in their lives and great sense of fun meant that each of them loved spending time with Uncle Mike. Always ready with a practical joke, a pun, a hug or a helping hand, Mike made the kids laugh, gave them chocolate and taught them how to cheat a little in Monopoly.

A memorial service will be held at McMillan-Small Funeral Home, 910 67th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 11 a.m., with Reverend John Sullivan officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. The committal services will be private at Good Hope cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be made to:

— Good Hope Baptist Church, 6101 Privetts Road, Conway, SC 29526.

— Global Training Network, https://gtn.org/dorman.

McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory of Myrtle Beach, SC, is in charge of arrangements.