Robert "Bobby" Louis Kyle

Kyle, Robert “Bobby” Louis, Sr., 86, of Tampa, Florida and Sautee, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on November 24, 2021. Following successful elective knee surgery, he developed cellulitis in his arm which progressed into sepsis and he could not recover. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret “Maggie”; sons Robert, Jr.; Kenneth (Cindy), Gary (Stefanie), Jeff (Suzy); grandchildren Kristin, Anthony, Branden, Lauryn, Laney Zimmerman (Daniel) and Cameron. He is also survived by one sister, Linda Goodman (Albert). Born on May 22, 1935 in Tampa, Florida, Bobby grew up in West Tampa and attended Hillsborough County schools. His working career was spent mainly in the tile trades and worked in the tile and marble business in partnership with son Ken for many years. His family would always say that he seemed to know everyone and everyone knew him. Any given morning, he could be found having a cup of café con leche at different West Tampa restaurants with all the “regulars.” He was quite fond of telling stories about growing up in West Tampa in particular, and loved talking about the old days and hangouts, antics and the special nicknames he and his friends were all known by. Bobby was a talented athlete, excelling in several sports including baseball, football and basketball, but bowling is where he ultimately found his passion and remarkable skill. A few of his outstanding achievements and awards, which are many, include: winning back-to-back Tampa City Match Play tournaments in 1962 and 1963, with the first win coming out of the loser’s bracket which had never been done. In 1968 he bowled a 290 score in the City Match Play. In 1969, he and his doubles partner, Giles Lofton, won the Scratch Doubles tournament. Then in 1972 he won the Florida State Scratch Singles tournament. Earlier that same year, he bowled a 747 series which is the highest score ever bowled at Dale Mabry Lanes at that point, having rolled two other 700 series the previous season. In 1978 he was inducted into the Tampa Bowling Association Hall of Fame and honored as a lifetime member. After retirement, Bobby and Maggie would split their time between Tampa and their mountain home in north Georgia where they have so many wonderful friends and neighbors. The Kyle family wishes to especially recognize Daniel Reed and the Reed family of Cleveland, Georgia and consider them their extended “Georgia” family. Dearly loved, Daniel has been like an extra grandson, lovingly caring and looking out for them at a moment’s notice and is very special to the entire Kyle family. Affectionately called “Pop” by his closest family, he will be greatly missed. We love you Pop! No services are planned.