Gene Hosea Kyles

Gene Hosea Kyles was born to Ludie Kyles Bishop and Reverend Joseph Kyles in Shelby, Mississippi on July 5, 1939. He departed this life on Monday, September 12, 2022.

Gene accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and joined Mt. Pleasant in Chicago, IL, under the leadership of his father, Reverend Joseph Kyles.

Gene graduated from Wendell Phillips High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Roosevelt University. He proudly served in the United States Air Force.

On September 3, 1960, he was united in holy matrimony to Virgie Netter. Gene and Virgie enjoyed traveling, entertaining family and friends, and sharing a deeply rooted love for Christ and the community.

Gene was employed as a Senior National Buyer for Agriculture Equipment with Sears & Roebuck in Chicago, IL. He worked for the company for over 20 years before making the decision to retire.

Gene was a passionate, community servant leader and charismatic speaker. He was an accomplished toastmaster, having received honors and recognition as an outstanding speaker and storyteller.

In 1985, he decided to move his family to Memphis, TN to pursue other business interests. He joined Monumental Baptist Church under the leadership of his brother, Reverend Samuel “Billy” Kyles, Emeritus. He served as a faithful member of the Deacon Board, the Birthday Club, and a myriad of other committees within the church.

Gene received his real estate license and embarked on a new career as a realtor. He joined Lawrence Johnson Realtors where he worked for 30+ years as both Sales Manager and accomplished real estate agent. He also worked as a staffer for Congressman Harold Ford, Sr.

When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Gene was quoted as saying:“He lived life to the fullest. He was a great father, a good friend, and he was a Christian. He enjoyed serving the Lord and serving the people. He was a giver and a servant. He was well educated and had a great sense of humor. Beware, and don’t be easily offended.”

Gene leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: Sons, Lantz Kyles of Las Vegas, NV, and Jason (Joyce) Kyles of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Sharon Trotter of Conyers, GA; brothers, Charles (Goldie) Kyles and Carl Kyles of Chicago, IL; Howard (Brenda) Kyles of Memphis, TN; and Darron Bishop of San Diego, CA., ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Virgie Kyles, son, Darron Kyles, Sister LeFlora (Sindey) Draper, brothers Cleo (Thelma) Kyles, Joe (Alice) Kyles, and Samuel “Billy”(Aurelia) Kyles.