Ira Pyles

Ira J Pyles, age 90, of Citrus Hills, Hernando, FL formerly of Huntington, WV died April 27, 2015.  He was born March 18, 1925 in Wayne County, WV, a son of the late Reverend Ossie S. and Bertha (McClure) Pyles.  He was a 1943 graduate of Wayne County WV High School.  Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy.  He was a Navy gunner on board Merchant Marine Ships during World War II serving in North Africa, Russia, England, Scotland and Belgium and stationed in Alaska where honorably discharged in the spring of 1946.  On returning to Huntington, he enrolled in Marshall University under the GI Bill.  In 1950 he started his career with The Borden Dairy Company.  He retired from Borden as sales manager for WV, OH, and KY after 37 years with the company.  During his business career, he served as a director of the WV Retail Grocers Association.  He was an avid golfer and a member of Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club.  Previously, he was a member and stockholder in Spring Valley Country Club of Huntington, WV.  He was also a member of the Huntington Elks Club, the Beverly Hills VFW and a Kentucky Colonel.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; three sisters, Zorah Booten, Kathlyn Booten and Lucille Hampton; two brothers, Benson and Raymond, all of Huntington, WV.  Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Sally L. Pyles; two sons, Dr. Stephen T. Pyles of Ocala, FL and Brian Brumfield and his wife Connie of Williamsport, PA; one daughter, Irene Sue Ross and her husband Kingsley of Crawfordville, FL; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.  A special mention is made of his nephew, R. Lee Booten of Huntington, WV to whom he was very close.  Also surviving is a beloved sister, Osa Booten and brother, Pierce Pyles of Huntington, WV.  He is also survived by many golfing buddies and would like to be remembered as “living beside the road and being a friend to man”.

Memorial services for Mr. Pyles will be held in West Virginia at a later date.  Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL.