Gerald Clayton Pyle

Gerald Clayton Pyle, 86, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 30, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and commitment to family, faith, and community. 

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Gerald traveled the world in service to his country, carrying with him a deep sense of duty and honor. His experiences abroad shaped the man he became, one who valued discipline, respect, and doing what is right.

 Beyond his military service, Gerald was a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge. He achieved the rank of Thirty Second Degree Mason and served as Grand Master of the Wolfe City and Greenville lodges, where he formed lasting bonds with his brethren and upheld the principles of brotherhood and charity. He also served faithfully as a deacon at a local church, guiding others in faith and living as an example of Christian devotion.

 As a father, Gerald was both firm and compassionate, instilling in his children the values of honesty, hard work, and moral strength. His wisdom was a gift he generously shared, always teaching life’s lessons with a steady hand and a loving heart. 

His greatest joy, however, came from being a grandfather. Whether coaching his grandchildren’s sports teams, umpiring youth baseball games, or cheering from the sidelines, he never missed an opportunity to support and celebrate their achievements. He was their biggest fan, their mentor, and their unwavering source of encouragement. 

Gerald and his beloved wife Shirley shared a love of travel, always seeking new adventures together. They were also known to make impromptu trips to a casino or two, cherishing every moment and creating memories filled with laughter and companionship. He adored his wife, and even more, he loved teasing her, his mischievous grin always giving away when he was up to something.

In 2010, Gerald suffered a stroke but faced his recovery with determination and resilience. He became a favorite among his therapists, always eager to improve. His strength and positivity inspired those around him.  Admired by many, Gerald’s presence brought warmth and wisdom to his community. Though deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched. 

 The family sincerely thanks the nurses and CNAs at Briarcliff and the team at Hospice Plus for their compassionate care during his final year. 

Gerald is survived by his loving wife Shirley Pyle, his daughter Tammie Pyle, his grandson Jeremiah ‘JC’ Walker and wife Sarah, his granddaughter Racheal Wilkinson and husband Terrence, and his cherished great grandsons Noah Walker, Logan Walker, Walker Wilkinson, and Clayton Wilkinson. He is also survived by his brothers Toby Pyle and wife Cherryl, Ron Pyle and wife Mary, and Bert Pyle and wife Millie; sisters-in-law Kathie (Parent) Rietman and husband Glen, and Joyce Cusumano; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Sammie (Henderson) Pyle, his infant brother Ernest Glen Pyle, and his sons Gerald ‘Craig’ Pyle and Alan Ray Pyle. Though he is no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing he now has the best seat in the house watching every baseball and football game from Heaven.

A service honoring Gerald’s life will be held at 2 PM on April 5, 2025, at Peters Funeral Home, 4201 Wellington Street, Greenville, Texas 75401. For those who wish to honor Gerald with a donation instead of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation in his memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peters Funerals and Cremations.