William Eugene Kyle

Bill (Billy) Kyle was born on April 19, 1936, in Greenville, TX, the first of six children born to William and Mattie Lou (Simmons) Kyle. His parents predeceased him along with his late sister Anita (Kyle) Simmons and brother Alphonzo Lee Kyle.

Bill attended primary school in Chicago, IL, and grew up on the near south side of Chicago and later in  the West Garfield Park neighborhood.

At a young age, Bill’s strong work ethic allowed him to earn money to supplement the growing Kyle family household. He took on the role of co-parent with his mother to help raise his younger siblings as his father frequently traveled as a railroad  cook.  As a teen he  worked tirelessly as a paperboy earning the top sales award resulting in a trip to Bermuda. He delivered groceries, sold concessions at parades, shined shoes, and worked numerous odd jobs. He later opened a television repair shop with his good friend Clint on Madison Avenue. Bill was always working and helping to support his family whom  he loved dearly.

Bill set an example for his younger siblings by being the first to graduate from John Marshall High School, where he later taught. He earned a teaching degree from Roosevelt University where he took classes during the day and worked full time on the overnight shift at the post office. Bill also earned a masters degree in teaching from Roosevelt University and worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Chicago public school system.

A veteran, Bill honorably served in the United States Army and did a tour of duty in the Republic of Germany.

An accomplished lifelong learner and reader, Bill was licensed as a real estate broker, registered nurse, and electrician. At the time of his passing he was enrolled in computer classes.

In 1972, Bill married Jimmie Marie Lane after a long distance courtship. She and her children lived with him in Chicago and Bolingbrook, IL. After the marriage dissolved, they remained friends for years and he often visited with Marie and family during holidays. The children  know him as Dad.

Bill was committed to his neighborhood of Lawndale and maintained property there for over 50 years. He was active in local politics (24th Ward) and instrumental in working to get responsible candidates 

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