Rodney Allen Pyles, 80, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Rodney was born June 21, 1945, the fourth and youngest child of Melford J. and Lucy Scarcella Pyles. He grew up in Wiles Hill in Morgantown, nurturing a love of the city in which he would live all his life.
Rodney graduated from Morgantown High School in 1963, and following in his brother John Pyles’s footsteps, immediately began working in public service. He received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Political Science from West Virginia University.
He went on to many interesting jobs. He taught at Alderson Broadus, worked as an archivist at the WVU Library, and became State Archivist under Governor Jay Rockefeller. After returning to Morgantown, he served for over 20 years as Monongalia County assessor. Later, he was elected to two terms in the House of Delegates, where he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of hardworking West Virginians. His deep love of animals was exemplified by a bill he sponsored to ban the declawing of cats.
Rodney married Carol Louise Wrobleski May 21, 1972. A single daughter, Janessa Louise, was born in 1980.
Rodney served honorably on many committees and participated in many clubs. These include the Knights of Columbus, the Monongalia County Historical Society, the West Virginia State Historical Society, the Sons and Daughters of Italy, Kiwanis Club, the Morgantown Landmarks Commission, and many others.
Rodney was never too busy to lend an ear or give aid to someone who needed it. He became a Catholic in 1982 and faithfully attended church every Sunday at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Star City.
Rodney had many hobbies, collecting (among others) stamps, coins, matchbooks, postcards, political badges, books, and other ephemera and memorabilia. He was an avid baseball fan and a season-ticket holder of both WVU Mountaineer baseball and West Virginia Black Bears. He was the family history keeper and carefully kept photographs, videotapes, writings, and mementos. He could cook delicious lasagna.
Rodney was preceded in death by his mother and father; an older sister, Pauline Moran; older brother, John Pyles; and infant sister, Billie Dove Pyles. Also preceding him was a nephew, William Moran.
He is survived by beloved wife of over 50 years, Carol Pyles; daughter, Janessa (Greg); and sister-in-law, Charlotte Pyles. Also surviving are nephews, John (Gail) and Robert (Jane) Moran; and nieces, Deanna Hanna (Drew) and Julie Moran. There are also many grandnephews and nieces and extended family. Rodney would not want us to forget his surviving furry friends, cats Carson, Weeb, Puff, and Tess. Many other cats over the years were such an important part of the family (especially Lily).
Family and friends will gather Sunday, April 12, in the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home, 10 S. High Street, Morgantown, WV 26501, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Visitation will continue Monday, April 13, in St. Mary Catholic Church, 3346 University Avenue, Star City, WV 26505, from 10 until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. John P. McDonough as celebrant. The family will honor Rodney’s wishes for cremation, and a private inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please give a gift, in Rodney’s name, to your favorite animal charity.
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
