Kyle Pete "Grizzly" Sayre

Pete A. "Grizzly" Sayre, 78, of Blytheville, passed away Friday afternoon at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. His family was at his side.

He went by the name "Grizzly," but in fact was a gentle giant. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his family. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1956, during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion.

He met and married Martha Boyes in Wooster, Ohio, 57 years ago. They had five children together. He also had a daughter who resides in Cape Coral, Florida. After extensive travels, he settled with his family in Blytheville to work as a welder. He had the largest family of welders to ever graduate from Tulsa Welding School. He started and managed several family owned businesses in Blytheville, including Grizzly's Welding, Grizzly's Woodshack and Grizzly's RV Park. He was also a full-time welding instructor at Rivercrest High School for three years. He was a people person who easily adapted to any situation that presented itself. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In addition to his parents, Kyle and Lillian Zeppernick Sayre, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Sayre, and an infant daughter.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Boyes Sayre of Blytheville;

Three sons, Daniel Sayre (and Vicki) of Blytheville, Kevin (and Julie) Sayre of Blytheville and Pat Sayre of Blytheville;

Three daughters, Peggy Sayre of Blytheville, Kathy Thompson (and David) of Wilson and Becky Borowiec (and Joe) of Cape Coral, Florida;

One brother, Tom Sayre of Michigan;

One sister, Arlene Sayre of Burlington, Iowa;

Nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and

A host of friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Carney Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until service time.

Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.