William Kyle Orth passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tallahassee, Florida, on October 15, 2018 from heart failure. He was 55 years of age and born in St. Petersburg, Florida. Kyle graduated from Godby High School in Tallahassee, earned a Business Degree from Troy State University, and later received a Master’s Degree in Environmental Safety.
Many would say Kyle led an interesting life – one with intentional purpose and worthy of a novel on selfless service. Shortly after graduating from Troy State, Kyle was hired by FSU and involved in the startup of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL). During his 14 years with the Lab, he advanced from preparing grant applications to Head of the Environmental and Safety Section. During that time, he developed a passion to aid others in need around the world and immediately began that journey. Kyle volunteered for assignments with the Peace Corps and other similar organizations during his late 30’s, serving primarily in South Africa until his death.
Throughout these humanitarian assignments, he worked as Safety Director for the City of Tallahassee, then returning back to the NHMFL for a few years. Embracing his true calling of service, he moved to Washington, D.C. to work for an organization at USAID that promotes democracy around the world and fights to end violent extremism. Not until recently did Kyle move back to Tallahassee due to health issues, working as the Chemical Safety Officer in the FAMU Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
The happiest of times for Kyle were those focused on helping others in need. He was incredibly passionate to share his calling and hopeful to inspire others. His love of Christ was the core of his life, willing to share the gospel at any opportunity, whether in words or actions. Many were the recipients of personal notes with scripture and encouragement. Kyle never married or had children, but adored his two nephews, George and Josh, along with his niece, Hayden.
Kyle is survived by his father, Robert Orth; his sister, Deborah Orth Shearer and husband Tyler Shearer; niece, Hayden Shearer; nephew, Josh Bridges; aunt, Madeline Moore; and numerous cousins and friends. Kyle was preceded in death by his mother, Amelia Orth, and nephew, George Bridges.
Kyle would love to know his legacy inspired others to follow his lead . . . Live your life doing what is morally and spiritually right, be kind, help others, and always be humble. A quote from one of his friends, “Kyle was one of the things right about this world.” We need more people like Kyle in this world. If there is a Hall of Fame in Heaven – he would be on it.
A celebration of Kyle’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 20th at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, 4750 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, with burial to follow in the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make a donation in memory of Kyle to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 or stjude.org.
