Curtis William Kyle, Jr, long time resident of Yazoo City and Benton, MS passed away peacefully with his family by his side late in the afternoon of Friday, June 7, 2024 at the age of 88 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, MS.
Curtis was born on December 1, 1935 in Crossett, AR. After graduating from the University of Arkansas - Monticello in June 1958 he enlisted in the Navy and was accepted into Officers Candidate School in Newport, RI. In October 1958 he received his commission as an ensign in the United States Navy. He became the third officer assigned to the USS Springfield CLG-7, which became the flagship of the 6th Fleet, deployed to the Mediterranean and homeported in Ville Franche, France. While deployed, he visited 62 countries and island nations. He served our country for 3 years active duty and an additional 11 years in the USNR. He was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of Lieutenant.
As his active duty service came to an end, Curtis returned to Arkansas where a long and fruitful career in the insurance industry began. He began his career as a field supervisor for the Travelers Insurance Company and was transferred to Jackson, MS in February 1964. He made the decision to go into business for himself and in April 1966 he became part owner and president of Yazoo Insurance Agency in Yazoo City, MS. He sold his interest in the business in 1995. Curtis moved to Laurel, MS in 2022.
Over a period of almost 30 years in Yazoo City he exhibited leadership in several areas. He was president of both the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce in 1979. In 1985 he served a term as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi. For 20 years he was a member of the Public Service Commission of Yazoo City. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Yazoo City and served 3 terms as chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also served as a board member of the Mississippi Economic Council.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis William Kyle, Sr and Nora Lucile Kyle; his wife Sylvia Wilson Kyle; and grandson Joseph Edward Kyle.
Survivors include his son, Curtis W. "Bill" Kyle, III (Angie) of Benton and Paul Reagan Kyle (Dara) of Prairieville, LA; wife Betty Allen Kyle of Laurel, MS; a sister, Nancy Kyle Eberdt of Little Rock, AR; Grandsons Hunter Kyle of Memphis, TN; Hayes Kyle of Benton, MS; Preston Kyle of Prairieville, LA and Reagan Kyle of Prairieville, LA.
Services will take place on Tuesday, June 11 at First Methodist Church Yazoo City. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service immediately afterwards. There will also be a graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City.
Pallbearers will be Hunter Kyle, Hayes Kyle, Preston Kyle, Reagan Kyle, Smith Stoner, and David Hayes.
Honorary Pallbearers are Charles P Davis, Tim Nolan, and Sam Smith.
Memorial donations may be made to First Methodist Church Yazoo City, MS P.O. Box 444 Yazoo City, MS 39194
