Joseph Lee Pyles, 81, of Columbia, 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 and 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 as chair of the loan committee until a week prior to his passing. His greatest source of joy in life, besides cutting a deal, was 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 include two children Danny Pyles (Sandy) and Denise Pyles Grant both of Columbia; six grandchildren, Ashton Fudge (Benton), Tessa Willis (Andrew), Mason Pyles (Lexi), Joshua Grant (Courtney), Jenna Grant, and Jetson Grant; six great grandchildren, Grayton and Maxton Fudge, Ivy and Iris Willis, Avery Bell Grant and Lottie Jay Grant; a sister-in-law, Joyce Pyles of Columbia; two special caregivers, Melanie Harmon and Adalene Cochran; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday with burial in the Haven Hill Cemetery. Bro. Steve Pescosolido officiated.
Pallbearers were Mason Pyles, Joshua Grant, Jetson Grant, Benton Fudge, Andrew Willis, and Bradley Montgomery. Honorary pallbearers were Ashton Fudge, Tessa Willis, Jenna Grant, Courtney Grant, and Lexi Pyles.
In lieu of flowers the family requested donations be made to Trinity Church at 2418 Campbellsville Rd. Columbia, KY 42728.
Funeral arrangements were conducted by Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.
