John Pyles

With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of John Pyles Jr., affectionately known as Johnnie Jr. to his family and friends. Johnnie Jr. departed this life in Plano, Texas, on June 24, 2026, at the age of 70.

Johnnie Jr., a native of West Virginia, was born to Johnnie Pyles and Viola Elizabeth Hawthorne Pyles on August 19, 1955, in Freeman, West Virginia. He graduated from Huntington High School in Huntington, West Virginia.

Following his graduation from high school, Johnnie Jr. answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He, along with his family, traveled and made their home in places such as Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Hawaii, Germany and Panama. He proudly served from 1978 until his retirement in 2002 as a First Sergeant. His military service reflected the dedication, discipline, and commitment that remained evident throughout his life. In recognition of his honorable service, he received numerous military awards, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Expert Marksmanship Award.

Following his retirement from the Army, Johnnie Jr. continued supporting the military through contract work in Kuwait. After his work was completed in Kuwait, he and his family resided in the Philippines and eventually settled in Texas. Wherever life took him, he embraced it with a peaceful spirit and an open mind. He found joy in nature, believed in lifelong personal growth, and sought balance through meditation, yoga, and a healthy lifestyle. Thoughtful and philosophical, he encouraged others to live with purpose, kindness, and inner peace. His calm presence, gentle wisdom, warm smile, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Johnnie Jr. cherished his family. He loved them with all his heart and would do anything for them. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, caring brother, fun-loving uncle, and loyal friend. His greatest joy was simply being with the people he loved. He will be remembered for making those around him feel loved and valued.

Johnnie Jr. was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Pyles; his mother, Viola Elizabeth Hawthorne Pyles; his beloved sisters, Viola Loraine Wade, Belva Jean Pyles, and Barbara Goss Branche; his precious great-grandson, Seven Jeremiah

Pyles, his niece, Donna Loraine Wade; his paternal grandparents, John and Ella Pyles; and his maternal grandparents, Carl and Lillie Hawthorne.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Annisa Calelo Pyles; his sons, Mike (Skylin), Shaun, Adam (Keiko), Jonnie Angelo, John Gabriel, and Mathew; his beloved grandchildren, Kevin, Kenneth, Kendra, Yashua, Yavin, Asante, Josh, Avery, Christian, and Stryker; his great-grandchildren, Azaria and "Zoe" Rakim; his sisters, Sylvia Adkins, Patricia Bradley (Ed), and Doris Greenlee; his brother, Jerry Pyles (Kahliquah); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were blessed by knowing him.

Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we find comfort in the many memories he leaves behind and in the lasting impact he made on the lives of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation and Celebration of Life for Johnnie Jr. will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Metrocrest Funeral Home, 1810 N. Perry Road, Carrollton, Texas, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at External Service, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, followed by burial at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Committal Shelter, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.

The family sincerely thanks everyone for the prayers, love, kindness, and support shown during this difficult time. Your compassion has been a source of comfort and strength and will never be forgotten.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to support the family during this time.

Zelle: 1-469-740-0677