RoyPyles

In Loving Memory of

Roy W. Pyles

May 24th 1947 – December 24^th 2006

“Roy is the kindest person I have ever met.” Inevitably, when Roy Pyles’ name came up in a conversation, that was the most common response. He truly was the kindest, most caring person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Roy was a big man, physically, and exceptionally strong, but you only had to talk to Roy a few minutes to know you were talking to the nicest person you would ever meet.

Sue and I had the pleasure of meeting Roy and his wife about nine years ago. But over that span of time we all became such close friends that it was more like a lifetime friendship. One of Roy and my favorite past times was to engage in elongated discussions about a wide variety of subjects as we sat poolside at his home. Usually cars or motorcycles, were the primary topics. But the subjects could range from politics to religion. Never mind that neither of us usually had a clue what we were talking about, particularly on the weightier subjects. We didn’t care. We just enjoyed each others company.

Through those conversations I was fortunate to learn considerable background on Roy’s life. And what I learned was that he lived a very rich and full life. Roy Pyles’ packed more into one lifetime than most of us could in three lifetimes. He was a drag racer the latter part of his teenage years. He joined the Navy during the Viet Nam war, and served two tours of duty in Viet Nam. One of his duties was to patrol the rivers and deltas in Viet Nam, one of the most dangerous assignments of that conflict. Following an honorable discharge, he became involved in the petrochemical industry. In the early years of that business he spent considerable time on off shore drilling platforms. He told of harrowing events occurring while stationed on the platforms, usually involving severe weather or major equipment malfunctions.

Roy was an astute and successful business man. He had a very strong entrepreneurial spirit, and established several successful companies. One of Roy’s attributes I most admired was his eternally optimistic and success oriented attitude. Even when business was slow, there was never a doubt in his mind that he could get it back on the fast track again, and he always did! Roy had recently sold one company and was in the process of starting an insurance company when he was hospitalized. I can assure you it would have been a remarkably successful venture with Roy at the helm.

Of all the traits that made this man so special, I believe the most important to be his complete and total devotion to his family. His love of his wife and two daughters was absolute. He spoke lovingly of them often, and was so proud of their accomplishments. It was clear that his family truly made his life complete.

The world lost a true gentleman when we lost Roy Pyles. But I can assure you that the spirit of this very special man will remain with all of those who’s life’s he touched. We will miss you Roy, but we will never forget you!

Jim & Sue Colvin

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