Ernest Kyle

Ernest Milbourn "Mib" Kyle - age 80, of Loudon, departed this life after a hard fought battle against cancer on Thursday, November 7, 2013 with his family by his side. He was born August 17, 1933 in Roane County. He grew up working his early years as a farmer, helping with the family grocery store and a short time at a local hosiery mill. Over the years he worked as a laborer and carpenter for K-25. Because of his love of woodworking, he was also a self-employed carpenter and even had his own cabinet shop that he ran out of the family's barn. He could look at any tree or board and identify the wood species. He enjoyed creating things for his children and friends. He loved airplanes and flying. Mib had his pilot license and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol watching over the home front from around 1971 to 1987. He flew a 1952 Tri-Champ plane out of Meadowlake Airport in Kingston. The last plane he flew was a 1951 Steerman out of Island Lake Airport, Knoxville in 2004. This opportunity was a birthday present from his children. Mib got his first guitar as a gift from his dad around the age of 12. He taught himself how to pick and play. His favorite singer was Jim Reeves. If you will notice, his voice and his songs sound so much like Jim Reeves. Mib and his brother Leonard Kyle, sang on a radio show during the 1980's. He also played with the Evans Brothers and was their lead guitarist. Some of Mib's best music was played and sung at Tennessee Chapel where he attended. One of his favorite songs he sang was also a message that he wanted all who heard to remember. The song was "Do You Know My Jesus". His gift to his family and all who knew him was the love of music and the love of Jesus. "When we were kids, dad would come home from work. He would eat his supper, rest for an hour, and then get his guitar. He would say to us kids: if you can guess this song, I will give you a dime, quarter, nickel whatever was in his pocket. We would sit around listening and try to guess. If we got it right, he would give us the change. This is a very special memory to us children". Kathy Thomas He was a member of Tennessee Chapel Baptist Church in Paint Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Myrtle Kyle, and sister: Marjorie Thompson. He is survived by his caretaker and soul-mate: Jo Anne Young; daughters: Kathy Thomas and Jerry Lowery, of Sweetwater, Brenda Garrett, of Kingston, Tammy Kyle, of Philadelphia, Kim Johnson, of Sweetwater; sons and daughters-in-law: Dewayne and Tamera Kyle, of Philadelphia, Mike and Susie Kyle, of Paint Rock, Anthony Kyle; Grandchildren: Amber Pippin, Wendy Garrett, Jason Thearp, Hannah Kyle, Makayla Kyle, Ricky Davidson, Amanda Coleman, Ashley Hill, Jonathan Kyle, Sarah Kyle, and Ramsey Lethcoe. Great-grandchildren: Sawyer Pippin, Austin Lightsey, Colton Garrett, Preston Garrett, Kylie Thearp, Tennessee Thearp, Brayden Davidson, Korbin Davidson, Alaina Coleman, Emilyn Coleman, Spencer Hill, Justice Kyle and Michael Kyle. Brother: Leonard and Emma Lou Kyle, of Philadelphia, several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr. Stephen Miller of UT Oncology, the staff of UT Hospice, "daughter" Sandy Patty of Loudon, and "son" Jeff Cline of Tellico Plains. The family will be receiving friends to listen to his music and celebrate his life Saturday, November 9, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Loudon Funeral Home, Loudon, with the funeral service to follow at 7:00pm in Loudon's Chapel with Reverend Jerry Roberts officiating. He will be laid to rest 1:00pm, Sunday, November 10, at the Tennessee Chapel Cemetery. Loudon Funeral Home, Loudon, in charge of arrangements. www.loudonfuneralhome.net

Visitation Details

Friday, November 9th, 2012 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Loudon Funeral Home Chapel

Service Details

Saturday, November 9th, 2013 7:00pm, Loudon Funeral Home Chapel

Interment Details

Tennessee Chapel Cemetery