Fred R. Lyle

Fred R. Lyle, 85, of Hilton Head, SC, passed away on July 4, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and man of faith, Fred lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and service to others.

Born in Bowling Green, KY, to Lucille Kitchen Lyle and Maxwell Lyle, Fred grew up alongside his older sister, Ann, and younger brother, Gary. He was raised by his beloved grandparents, Betty Parker Lyle and Sidney Lyle, and also spent time with his maternal grandparents, Houston Kitchen and Alene Kitchen. They taught him a love of God and church, the importance of family, and a strong work ethic. Even as a boy, Fred contributed his earnings from his paper route and yard work to help with his grandparents’ household expenses during the postwar years.

In 1963, at age 23, Fred was initiated into the Masonic fraternity, completing 63 years of membership in good standing. He worked for Capital Windows in Bowling Green while attending Bowling Green Business College. After finding success in sales, he moved to Louisville, KY, and pursued his dream of owning a business. On November 5, 1971, he registered his corporation, Fred R. Lyle & Associates, Inc. Over the next 45 years, he built a successful company through determination, organization, and hard work. He valued the factories and distributors he represented, respected his employees, and shared the company’s financial successes with them.

When he was not working, Fred was happiest on the water. Living along the Ohio River allowed him to pursue his passion for boating. Over the years, he owned three boats, but his last boat, a 50-foot Chris-Craft motor yacht he named Bristol, was his favorite. Trips with family and friends took him to Florida, the Bahamas, Cincinnati, Madison, Indiana, and many marinas along the way, creating treasured memories. Fred was also an enthusiastic University of Louisville fan and held season tickets for many years.

On December 30, 2000, Fred married Priscilla, beginning a new chapter in both their lives. Together, they created a blended family and shared more than 25 years of marriage. Fred is survived by his wife, Priscilla. Their blended family includes Fred’s children, Maxwell (Max) Lyle (wife, Angela), Matthew (Matt) Lyle (wife, Jennie), and his beloved daughter, Mendy Lyle, who preceded him in death; and Priscilla’s children, Kevin Kinard and Kasey Sharp (husband, David). Together, Fred and Priscilla’s family includes 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Fred was also preceded in death by his brother, Gary Lyle, and his sister, Ann Lyle.

Fred’s faith was an important part of his life. He served for more than 10 years as a Deacon at Walnut Street Baptist Church in downtown Louisville, where he helped write the church’s security manual, served on the security team, and worked on the House and Grounds Committee. After Fred and Priscilla moved to Hilton Head, they joined Central Church, where Fred was asked to serve as an Elder. He also volunteered most Saturday mornings with Central’s Car Ministry.

After 45 successful years in business, Fred sold his company to his business partner in 2016 and retired, having already made Hilton Head, SC, his home. Retirement gave him more opportunities to serve others. He volunteered as a Meals on Wheels driver, delivering meals to neighbors in need, and remained an active Elder at Central Church, attending weekly meetings.

Fred will be remembered for his steadfast faith, entrepreneurial spirit, generosity, and dedication to family and community. His legacy lives on through the people he loved and the many lives he touched.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Central Church, 975 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Refreshments and visitation will follow in the church dining room.

In Lieu of Flowers

Memorial donations may be made to Central Church (at the address above or online at centralhhi.com) or to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 23691, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 (online at mowblufftonhiltonhead.org).