Michael “Mike” Wayne Pyle

United States Navy Specialist Michael “Mike” Wayne Pyle passed away on April 15, 2018, following a courageous battle with monophasic synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer attributed to toxic burn pit exposure.  

Pyle was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, alongside his brother. He was raised by loving and supportive parents who instilled in him strong values that would guide him throughout his life. In November 1990, Pyle joined the United States Navy because he was seeking a greater sense of purpose. A legacy of service ran in his family, with his grandfather also serving and being awarded the Purple Heart. Throughout his life, Pyle was known for his incredible attitude, unwavering resilience, and remarkable ability to bring joy to everyone around him. Those who knew Pyle could always count on him. One unforgettable example was his playful habit of using his prosthetic leg as a table to hold his drink—a perfect reflection of his ability to face life’s challenges with humor and grace. He had that unmistakable “it” factor. People were naturally drawn to his warm, outgoing personality, and he truly never met a stranger. 

On Christmas Eve in 1998, Pyle met the love of his life, Krystal (Krysty). She still remembers exactly what they were wearing that night. The moment Pyle walked in, their eyes met, and from that day forward, they were inseparable. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Their greatest blessings were their miracle children, Mallory and Preston, for whom they were endlessly grateful. Some of Krysty’s favorite memories are the quiet moments they shared sitting on the back deck, talking about life, and simply enjoying each other’s company. 

Pyle leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and will always be remembered by Krysty as the greatest man she has ever known. Although Mallory and Preston were still very young when Pyle became ill and endured countless surgeries and hospital stays, Krysty has made it her mission to keep their father’s memory alive by sharing stories and treasured memories that capture the remarkable man he was. 

Pyle forever changed the way Krysty views life. Through his example, he showed her how precious and fleeting our time on earth truly is, and she remains deeply grateful for the attitude he carried through every challenge. Despite losing his right leg and a lung, Pyle never allowed those hardships to define him. Instead, he faced each obstacle with resilience, optimism, and an unwavering gratitude for every day he was given. He was a source of strength and support to all those around him. Pyle was always willing to help those in need and had a natural ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. His unwavering outlook left a lasting impression on those around him, reminding them to appreciate each day and never take the gift of life for granted. Krysty will continue to honor his memory by sharing his story and ensuring that Mallory and Preston always know the extraordinary man their father was. His legacy of kindness, resilience, and love will live on through his family and in the countless lives he touched. 

United States Army Specialist Michael “Mike” Wayne Pyle is survived by his devoted wife, Krysty, and their beloved children, Mallory and Preston. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Pyle family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.