Joseph Lee Pyles, 81, of Columbia, KY passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at T.J. Health Columbia surrounded by his family. He was born in Adair County on January 6, 1943 to the late Finis and Marie Burton Pyles.
Joe was a 1961 graduate of Adair County High School and later Campbellsville College with a bachelor’s degree in education. He worked as a teacher at both Cane Valley and Shepherd schools in Adair County where he also served as basketball coach. He later left education to pursue his dreams of founding his own business which evolved into the diversified establishment known as Pyles Brick & Block, which he co-owned and operated with his late wife, Annabelle.
He was a charter member of Trinity Church where he remained a member and benefactor. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was working with other area businessmen to start and begin the financial institution of United Citizens Bank of Southern Kentucky. He continued to serve on the board of directors and Chair of the Loan Committee until a week prior to his passing. His greatest source of joy in life besides cutting a deal, was from his beloved family - and the successful lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. To the community, he was known as "The Brick Man", to his family, he was “Papa Joe”.
SURVIVORS:
2 children: Danny Pyles (Sandy) and Denise Pyles Grant, both of Columbia, KY
6 grandchildren: Ashton Fudge (Benton), Tessa Willis (Andrew), Mason Pyles (Lexi), Joshua Grant (Courtney), Jenna Grant, and Jetson Grant
6 great-grandchildren: Grayton and Maxton Fudge, Ivy and Iris Willis, Avery Bell Grant and Lottie Jay Grant
Sister-in-law: Joyce Pyles of Columbia, KY
2 special caregivers: Melanie Harmon and Adalene Cochran
Several nieces & nephews
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00amCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Pescosolido officiating
Burial: Haven Hill Cemetery
Visitation: Friday, August 16, 2024 from 2:00pm-8:00pmCT and Saturday morning until time for the service
Pallbearers: Mason Pyles, Joshua Grant, Jetson Grant, Benton Fudge, Andrew Willis, and Bradley Montgomery
Honorary Pallbearers: Ashton Fudge, Tessa Willis, Jenna Grant, Courtney Grant, and Lexi Pyles
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trinity Church, 2418 Campbellsville Rd, Columbia, KY 42728 or can be left at the funeral home.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
