Raymond Kyle Linson

Raymond "Kyle" Linson, beloved son, brother, and friend to many, was born on September 14, 1969, in West Plains, Missouri, to Bill and Beverly (Lowe) Linson. On July 28, 2021, he accepted his promotion to direct a glorious choir in heaven at the age of 51. Kyle graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in secondary vocal music education. He taught high school choir at Sikeston High School, while also serving as music director for local churches and community choirs. Shortly thereafter, he pursued his dream of directing choral music in the Methodist church and accepted a call to lead at St. John's United Methodist in Memphis, Tennessee. Next, he accepted an appointment to Central United Methodist in Kansas City. His ultimate goal was to serve as music director at the First United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, to which he accepted the call in 2013. In his mother's words, "Kyle knew everybody. He never met a stranger." And, as his legion of friends throughout the midwest and south will attest, this is true. Kyle was incredibly gifted at getting things done on a grand scheme. His talent for taking small ensembles and growing and developing them into world-class choirs, one of which performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, was truly inspirational. Kyle is survived by his parents, Bill and Beverly of West Plains, Mo., a brother Craig (Marci) of Blue Eye, Mo., nieces Katie (Mason) Farris and grand-niece, Goldie, of Lynchburg, Va., and Tressa (Jeremy) Asbury, of Joplin, Mo. Kyle is also survived by a very loving group of friends, and if we began to call them by name, it would take forever. However, the family is grateful for Dennis Horn, Connie Hartline, Laine Harber, Pastor Donna Hankins, Justin Donaldson, Pastor David Freeman, and Darrin Clanton, among many, many others. While our hearts are broken and our tears flow freely, we know that every teardrop is physical evidence of the fullness of our hearts; hearts abundantly filled with joyful memories of Kyle. Kyle is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Tressa Linson and Raymond and Dorothy Lowe. Kyle's dear friends in Little Rock are planning a celebration of his life to be announced at a later date. The family will have a private burial service in the coming days in Thayer, Missouri. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, for memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72201. To sign the online guest book, please visit: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal