Daniel Lawson Pyles Sr. expired peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 at the well-earned age of 78 years old. He was a devoted husband and father, choosing to make his family the center of his world. He was born August 30th, 1945 in Newburg, WV to George and Wilma Pyles, as the middle of seven siblings. He was a true product of Preston County; tough, hardheaded, and loving. In 1962 at age 17, he enlisted in the Navy as a "kiddie cruiser" where he would serve as a machinist for the next 8 years. While in the service Danny served on the USS Howard W Gilmore, the USS Simon Lake, and was stationed in Charleston, Norfolk, and the Holy Loch in Scotland. He served as a machinist, frequently fabricating, welding, and installing items to fit on ships and submarines. After the service he worked for several companies, one of note was Westinghouse in Athens.

In 1977 he started at the port of Savannah, wherein he became a charter member of ILA Local 2046, retiring in 2006 with 29 years of service. As a member, he would serve on several boards and became a mentor to many men. Danny was raised as a Master Mason in 1974 at Lexington Lodge #158 and eventually found a home in Guyton Lodge #428. He became a 32° Mason and a Nobel of the Shrine in 1994 furthering his devotion to the craft. He served as a Roadrunner with Alee Shrine, proudly transporting children to appointments and out of state with his son Loye. Danny was also a beloved member of Effingham Shrine Club and cherished his time when he was able to participate. In June of this year, he received his 50th anniversary apron for Freemasonry, an honor he had looked forward to. Danny was a longtime member of Guyton Methodist Church, where he served as a Trustee and helped with small chores, typically behind the scenes. He was a devoted driver to the Red Hat Ladies, he was happy to drive them in the Guyton Christmas parade or to escort them on their outings as an honorary Red Hat. The last group he joined, he created himself. He and his friends formed an "Old Mans Club" to call each other every morning. This call was to see if they were alive and to say "It's time to roll out!" Danny had a deep love of honky tonk country and bluegrass, which he passed on to both of his sons. He would spend days sitting at the computer, perusing countless newspapers, playing hearts, and listening to Willie's Roadhouse on Sirus/XM.

Danny is survived by his extraordinarily devoted wife of 45 years, Carol Diane Pyles. His children are Daniel Lawson Pyles Jr and his wife Beth Woodard, and Loye Grimsley Pyles and his wife Chelsea Pyles; sister, Doris Wotring and her husband Charles; brothers, Truman Lee Pyles and his wife Wanda, Roger A. Pyles, Marvin Eugene Pyles and his wife Song, Patrick Pyles and his wife Patricia, and Richard Paul Pyles; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father George Lawson Pyles and his mother Wilma McGinnis Pyles.

Services will be held at Strickland and Sons Funeral Home in Rincon on Sunday, July 14th. Visitation at 2-3 pm, Services at 3 pm, with a graveside burial with military and Masonic honors to follow at Guyton Cemetery. His Honorary Pallbearer is Cle Lynes, a faithful friend. His Pallbearers are his nephews Bob Pyles, Jeff Pyles, and Dave Wotring, and his adopted sons Justin Wiggins, Ryan Etzel, and Ronald Stephens.

The family requests that no ties be worn to the services, as Dad wouldn't have worn one.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Guyton Lodge #428, PO Box 2, Guyton, GA 31312.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.