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Charles Pyle Obituary
December 4, 1915 – August 14, 2014
Resident of San Jose
Charles Pyle touched many lives during his long career as an exceptional musician and teacher. A graduate of Biola University, Pacific College and San Jose State, he taught in Campbell schools and at SJSU. Charles was music director at First Baptist Church for many years, directing choir and orchestra, radio broadcasts and city-wide Easter services. His group, the Royal Bards, toured California performing songs and hymns for 18 years.
He excelled in playing the violin, and met his wife while playing in the SJSU Symphony. Charles married Emilie Ransom in 1941, and 73 years later they are the parents of Jeannie Pyle Edwards, Charles Benjamin Pyle III, Pamela Pyle Resch, Ransom Thomas Pyle, and Tanya Pyle Streder; with ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren so far.
After retiring in 1977, Charlie and Emilie joined International Teams, taking Bibles and other supplies into Eastern Europe for more than 20 years. He served God faithfully with his long life, and his epitaph will be: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Phil 1:21
Everyone is welcome at the celebration of his life on September 6, 2014, at 2:00 pm, Church on the Hill, 500 Sands Dr, San Jose. 408-265-9000
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Pyle
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Hank and Norma Brown
August 23, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
Hank rememberers the Monday night rehearsals and anticipated Emily’s pies!
October 1, 2015
Charlie was a dear friend. Hank loved singing with the Bards and the dedication of all the fellows in the group. We visited with he and Emilie and love them so much. I know that he's probably leading the heavenly choirs. Won't it be wonderful When We All Get To Heaven !!!
Hank and Norma Brown. (Twain Harte, CA)
Robert Clayton
September 30, 2015
When my Dad, (Paul Cowles), only had a short time to live, Charlie and Emilie visited he and my Mom at their home in Mt. Hermon, and gave a private concert. After Pop's going to be with the Lord, Charlie & Emilie took my Mom on her first ever trip to Hawaii. Their kindness speaks volumes about God's love. Thank you Charlie & Emilie for your kindness, for the Royal Bards, their Music, Memories and Ministry.
From two "Bards Kids"
Bob (Cowles) Clayton and Cathye (Schlaegel) Clayton
Merna Volle Morse
September 24, 2014
Charles Pyle introduced me to instrumental music in the fourth grade at M.R. Trace Elementary School. I became a cello player and continued lessons and performing through my high school, college, and adult years. Thank you, Mr. Pyle, for encouraging me and showing me how much enjoyment I would experience playing with other musicians in orchestras and small ensembles. My love affair with music continues.
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George Fisher
September 9, 2014
I worked several years with Charley and Bob Hill at Overseas Crusades, later called OC International. What an effect both were on my life, great examples of men of faith.
Barb MacNeil
September 5, 2014
As it was earlier posted by another, Charlie was indeed a giant among men. He was a perfectionist when I was in choir and orchestra and I loved that in him. He could write a song, lyrics and notes, for any occasion. He will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew him. What a celebration with him and so many others who have gone before him. I can easily visualize that twinkle in his eye as he was greeted by so many when entering Heaven. Thank you, Charlie, for giving your life in service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ed & Billie Jean Irwin
September 3, 2014
What a day it will be "When All of God's Singers Get Home." A true servant of the Lord has gone home to be with Him. A giant. Some of the best days of my life were singing with the Bards during those early years. God bless you Charley and Emily. And Thank you.
September 3, 2014
I will always remember him from First Baptist, and from music in elementary school. He was an inspiration to all in music and in life.
Diane (Nixon) Bryan
Jan Reeder-Joyce
August 29, 2014
Charlie lived a long, and fulfilling life. He touched so many hearts with his incredible musical talent. His dedication to serving the Lord was unsurpassed. I always felt so blessed to have grown up in the First Baptist Church, where I knew and loved Charlie and Emily and their children. Chuck and Pam were my dear friends. Charlie's musical productions were top-notch, as he was a perfectionist and demanded 100% from his singers and orchestra members. He was tough, but he was the best! It was a true honor knowing him and I know (for certain) that he will hear those words "well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Bob Christensen
August 29, 2014
Charlie Pyle was huge influence on my musical life at First Baptist Church in the early 1960's. His influence on the church as a whole was also very great. It is fitting that we can meet at that church to remember him.
Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills
August 28, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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