Wayne Evan Pyles

Wayne Evan Pyles, 76, of Booneville died Wednesday, November 5, 2014 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Wayne was born June 22, 1938 on the Barber Ridge Road, west of Booneville, Arkansas. He attended Booneville Public Schools, graduating in 1956. An active participant in the 4-H and FFA programs, he attained the American Farmer designation with the FFA. Majoring in agriculture at the University of Arkansas, he attained a degree in animal nutrition. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Between his stents living in Booneville, he spent many years in Searcy, Arkansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wayne's professional career was divided in to two business areas. After college and for many years he worked in the poultry industry throughout the southern U.S. He was very active in the Arkansas Poultry Federation, ultimately becoming Chairman of that trade organization. For the past 30 years, Wayne worked in the oil and gas business doing mineral leasing and title curative work. He was a long time member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen. Wayne loved to stay on the road. He had a lifelong interest in cars, owning dozens during his life, many at the same time. He travelled widely both in the U.S. and internationally. As a Mason, he was a member of the Blue Lodge, held the 32 degree, and was a Shriner. Wayne never married and is preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Quinnie Grimes Pyles. He is survived by his brother, Wendell Pyles, of Richardson, Texas. Also survived by a niece, Alexis Burns and her husband, Jason, of Austin Texas and by a nephew, Justin Pyles and his wife, Victoria, of Austin, Texas. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Glendale Baptist Church near Booneville with Rev. Henry Jenkins and Rev. Jarrell Woodhull officiating. Burial in Glendale Cemetery, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. The pallbearers will be Buddy Littlefield, Joe Henry Earp, Brett Foster, Wayne Gosnell, Burleigh Grimes, and Ron Maxwell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Monta Scharbor and Robert Johnson. To sign online registry, go to robertsfh.com.