Mike Kyle, a Foreman for the Carroll County Highway Department, had a name everybody knew.
“Most folks called him ‘Punkin,’” said Ronnie Wade, Carroll County Road Commissioner. “And there won’t be another one like him.”
Kyle passed away Monday, July 28, at the age of 58, just before he was to be honored with a retirement ceremony after 40 years with the Highway Department.
The plaque had already been made, his engraved Case knife was ready, and the proclamation had been signed. But the moment never came.
According to his wife Carol, Punkin was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer on their 28th wedding anniversary, earlier this year.
“He kept working,” Carol said. “Through chemo, radiation, and hospital visits, he kept showing up.”
“He would come home from treatment and still go to work,” she added. “He said it had to be done. People needed to get down the road.”
Kyle was a lifelong resident of Carroll County, and started working for the Highway Department fresh out of high school.
For four decades, he helped clear trees, patch roads, and put in culverts.
According to his family and coworkers, Punkin would rise to the occasion every time a tree blocked a roadway or culvert washed out.
“You could have a tornado in one part of the county, and he’d be out there sawing limbs out of the road. If it was one o’clock, two o’clock, or midnight—he’d go,” said Road Commissioner Wade.
Kyle was fully dedicated to his work.
“He was the first one in the gate and the last one to leave,” added Wade. “He opened the shop every morning, made the coffee, and locked the gates every evening.”
The men who worked alongside Punkin, like Tommy Davis, David Tucker, and Scott Williams, spent much of Wednesday, the day before his funeral, washing down his dump truck and backhoe, preparing them to roll through the funeral procession.
“He’s the kind of guy that you’d never forget once you met him,” Williams said. “He’s a really special person to a lot of people.”
Williams added that Kyle was driven in his desire to take care of the people in Carroll County.
Coworkers told memorable stories about working with him.
Punkin liked to joke with his family and coworkers and was known to nickname anyone who hung around long enough.
He also enjoyed watching his grandkids’ events, boating and camping, and playing with his dog Max.
To his grandkids, he was always present.
In 13 years, he never missed one of his granddaughter Brooklyn’s pageants. This week, she’ll give up her crown, and include him in her closing remarks.
“He was a man of routine,” Carol said. “He drank his coffee outside every morning. He waved at everyone he passed. He never wanted to bother anybody, and he never hesitated to help.”
Wade said Kyle left more than an empty chair at the shop.
“He’s leaving a big hole. Somebody will come along and fill his job, but they can never replace him as a person,” Wade said. “Punkin was one of a kind.”
Today, July 31, at noon, Kyle will be laid to rest.
His truck and backhoe will roll behind him.
A large American flag will be held over the road in his honor by Carroll County Electric.
“Taking care of people,” said Carol. “That’s what he did. And he did it right up to the end.”
