William "Erle" Byerle, 81, of Crestview, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Erle was born in Farmville, Virginia, in 1943 to the late Michael Paul and Margaret Faucette Byerle. He lived a life filled with service, adventure, and devotion to those he loved.

Erle proudly served in the United States Air Force retiring after 30 years of service, from 1966 to 1996. He began his career in personnel but was soon recruited into the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), where he developed as a leader and became a respected criminal investigator and polygrapher.

His service took him and his family across the globe, with assignments in Europe, the Philippines, and Hawaii (twice), as well as Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas (four times), and Washington, D.C. While serving in Hawaii, he earned a bachelor's degree in criminology from Chaminade University. He retired with the highest non-commissioned officer rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

After retirement, Erle and Sheila settled in Crestview, where he enjoyed the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life.

For more than two decades, he worked in golf course maintenance at the Eglin Air Force Base, Shoal River, Foxwood, and Heritage golf courses. He found joy in nature, good conversation, and sharing stories on the porch. Erle was affiliated with First Baptist Church of Crestview, Florida.

Erle is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Lori Byerle, who passed in 2008.

His survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Sheila Mae Byerle (Wilder), whom he married in 1967; son, Lee Byerle, and daughter-in-law, Amy Byerle (Radcliffe) of Chantilly, Virginia; grandchildren, Andrew, Jillian and James Byerle of Chantilly, Virginia; aunt, Betty Wilson of Durham, North Carolina; and niece, Allison Ashley (Myers) of Evanston, Illinois.

The family asks that you honor his memory by keeping alive the art of storytelling, gathering outside, and sharing a meal off the grill with those you love.