Dr. Robert Bradford Pyle, MD, 76, of Pensacola, FL, passed away Wednesday January 20, 2021.

Brad was born to parents Elizabeth (née Brown) and Judge Arnold Pyle on November 1, 1944 in Jacksonville, FL. Following Judge Pyle's tour of duty in World War II, the family moved to Jackson, MS, where Brad grew up as the second of three sons.

Brad attended William B. Murrah High School, where he excelled at academics, graduating in 1962. He was an Eagle Scout, avid snow skier, and water ski instructor. Brad continued his studies at Vanderbilt University where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, graduating in 1966, after which he continued his education at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1970. He finished his General Surgery Residency at the University of Minnesota at Fairview in Minneapolis in 1977, followed by a two-year Thoracic Surgery Residency at the Yale-New Haven Hospital. In 1979, he joined the Navy on deferment to finish his surgery training. Dr. Pyle completed his military obligations at the Pensacola Naval Hospital, in 1983, receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of Commander.

Dr. Pyle opened his private practice in Pensacola in 1983, practicing general, thoracic, and vascular surgery. During his 30 successful years of practice, Dr. Pyle served as Chairman of Surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital, President of the Pensacola Surgical Society, President of the Florida Surgical Society, President of the Escambia County Medical Society, and was recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Pyle was devoted to medicine and prioritized his commitment to high standards of patient care.

Brad was a true lover of the arts and advocate of the local arts community. He served on the board of the Ringling Museum in Sarasota and as the President of the Pensacola Little Theater Board where he initiated the renovation of the Pensacola Cultural Center with the kind support of the community and local and state governments. The renovation of the Pensacola Cultural Center and Little Theater was completed in 1992, serving as a home to the Kaleidoscope & Ballet Pensacola, West Florida Literary Federation, the African American Heritage Society, and the Pensacola Children's Chorus. The Pensacola Cultural Center continues to stand today as a hub of Pensacola arts and a monument to community collaboration.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Arnold; as well as by his brother, William.

Brad is survived by his daughter, Patricia; his sons, Michael and Christopher; as well as his brother, Benjamin.

A private family service will be held for Brad following pandemic safety protocol. Loved ones, colleagues, members of the community, former patients, artists, musicians, and anyone near and far whose heart Dr. Pyle has touched are invited to join us at 10:00am Thursday, January 28, 2021 for the live streamed service, which can be found at http://www.tinyurl.com/DrPyleService

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dr. Pyle's memory to the Pensacola Little Theater at https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/donate .