Tom Lyle  
 
Sept 3, 1940 - Nov 6, 2014 Mr. Tom James Lyle Sr., age 74 of Bluff Park passed peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at his house. A loving husband of 50 years, father and granddad, Tom was a pillar of the community and a life-long resident of the Birmingham area. He was a graduate of Howard College, served in the National Guard, and was a member of Bluff Park United Methodist Church. In 1972, he built and opened Pioneer Playschool to accommodate his special needs son and provide for his family. He was the Director for over 40 years caring for thousands of children in Bluff Park. His passion was building and creating a unique environment for children through his creative landscaping, play forts and imaginative games. He provided childhood memories with special entertainment such as rides on his remodeled fire truck, and birthday limousine trips to Krispy Kreme and Star Lake. Tom was a man of endless energy and creative ideas which enabled him to run one of the most respected daycares in Hoover. "Mr. Tom" was known in the community for his ability to bring a smile to your face. He was a positive role model with an overwhelming love for children who will be greatly missed by many. Tom worked diligently to make a difference in children's lives. He was hardworking, and sought to honor God and his family's name. "Well done, Thou good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21 He is preceded in death by his mother Elise Lyle, brother Patrick Lyle and son Jim Lyle. Tom is survived by his loving wife Pat Lyle , son Troy Lyle and daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and David Rye, grandchildren, Ashleigh, Dawson and Karlee Rye, sister and her husband Janis and Jerry Weisbrot, niece Rachel Fleishman, nephews Adam Fleishman, Seth Fleishman and Stephen Lyle, sister-in-law and her husband, Bonnie and Charles Nelson and Sarah Childers. Tom's last wishes were to have a private ceremony with immediate family members only, and in lieu of flowers, please make donations in his remembrance to the Children's Hospital of Alabama or the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
 
Published in The Birmingham News from Nov. 11 to Nov. 16, 2014
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