Nicholas Roy Gyles' Obituary
Nicholas Roy Gyles, 89, of Fayetteville, Arkansas entered eternal life on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 10:25 p.m. Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Yvonne Edwards Gyles, and his son, Dr. Nicholas Roy Gyles II, his parents, Nicholas Charles Gyles, and Florence Mary Gunter Gyles, his three brothers Noel Courtney, William Jasper, John Percival, and four sisters Edna Hemsworth, Ivy Marguerite Mann, Helen May Hamshere, and Alice Florence Gyles.
Nicholas Roy Gyles was born on a sugar plantation known as “Wallens” in the rural hamlet of Linstead, Jamaica, West Indies. He completed his undergraduate and Masters degrees from the University of British Columbia and went on to obtain his Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Missouri. He accepted a position at the University of Arkansas as a Professor of Poultry Genetics where he remained for the next 37 years. During this time he established a Ph.D. program in Poultry Genetics, conducted multiple research projects in poultry genetics, and genetic control of regression of a malignant tumor in animals. He taught courses on the principles of genetics, advanced animal genetics and poultry breeding. He was bestowed with the John W. White Research Award, elected Fellow in the Poultry Science Association, and was invited to speak at numerous local, regional, national and international meetings. He was instrumental in research which met specific practical needs of the rapidly developing Arkansas Poultry Industry and served as a genetics consultant for the Peterson Poultry breeding farms in Decatur. His long years of distinguished service to the University of Arkansas and the Agricultural Experiment Station are reflected in his numerous publications and graduate student accomplishments.
While attending the University of Arkansas he met his wife of 54 years, Yvonne, at a local square dance. They built their life and raised a family together in Fayetteville.
He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Judy Gyles Johnson of New Orleans; his granddaughter Anna Johnson of New Orleans, LA. and his grandsons Zachary and Noah Gyles of Fayetteville, AR.
Roy was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church serving as a junior and senior warden, and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was a member of Rotary Club of Fayetteville where he was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and gardening. He loved nature and all the glory of the tropics in his homeland of Jamaica.
Dad dedicated his life to his family, his church, the academic community, and adopted country of America. He was steadfast, generous and extremely inclusive throughout his life. He will be missed beyond belief.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville with Reverend Lowell Grisham officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. Memorial contributions may be made to the White River Health System Foundation, 1710 Harrison St., Batesville, AR 72501 or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 224 N East Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
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