Forrest Leslie Kyle

Forrest Leslie Kyle, 72, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on September 12, 2022. Forrest was born June 26, 1950, in Magnolia, Arkansas. He was a 1968 graduate of Camden High School in Camden, Arkansas, and earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of education from Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University).
Forrest spent his career as a teacher, administrator and superintendent throughout the state. His resume included stops in Camden, El Dorado and Hope before serving as superintendent of schools at Saratoga, Bismark, Hazen, Bradley and Heber Springs. Forrest retired to Little Rock in 2000.
Forrest was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nadine Kyle of Camden, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Kimberly Edwards Kyle, of Little Rock, Arkansas, his son and daughter-in-law, Yancey and Brandy Kyle, and their children, Tallis Kyle, Baylee Jones, and Blane Jones, all of El Dorado, Arkansas, his sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Keith Roach of Boscawen, New Hampshire, niece Jenny Merritt of San Diego, California, and nephew Sam Merritt of New Orleans, Louisiana. Also left to mourn this loss are many other extended family and dear friends.
Forrest was a gentleman of the highest order. Rarely, if ever, did his wife open a door. He was simply dapper. Class and detail mattered, though he gladly gave up the wearing of ties after his retirement. On the subject of how to be a man, he once wrote to his son, "Style before substance. Substance from the heart. Then truth is an ally." Forrest understood as a leader, spouse and parent that the style one uses in declaration or inquiry has a great deal to do with the resulting response. He also made sure his son knew of Bruce Springsteen, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles and Merle Haggard very early in life. His teachings have proved priceless.
His marriage to the love of his life was a testament of perseverance, his wife's that is, and a lesson to his son of what love is supposed to look like. Forrest and Kim traveled the world together. Come to think of it, they did everything together.
Though he never had a personal e-mail address or Facebook page, he avidly consumed the written word. Forrest especially enjoyed reading then practicing the art of cooking. He could hold court on the subject of cornbread.
Forrest kept his circle small. He did not suffer fools lightly. The Mummas, Hardkes and Melchings were life-long friends who knew his faults and loved him anyway. A self-admitted antagonist and instigator, Forrest loved to poke holes into inferior arguments. But again, he always did so with style.
Ailments he kept private shaped his view of the life we are given. He appreciated beauty and was not ashamed to shed a tear over poignant moments. Forrest was a loyal and loving husband, a forgiving and admirable father, and a doting grandfather. He would tell you that is what matters the most. His example of a life fully lived will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who feel so inclined to donate to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Donate online here. Forrest was an annual contributor to this great work.
A Celebration of his Life will be held 3:00 PM Friday, September 16, 2022 at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock.