Michael "Larry" Hoyle

Michael Larry Hoyle passed away in Lubbock, Texas on October 12th, 2023 at the age of 82. Larry was born on March 3rd, 1941 at his home in Roaring Springs, Texas to Mike and Virginia Hoyle. After attending elementary school through the 3rd grade in Roaring Springs, the family moved to Matador where Larry graduated from Matador High School in 1959. As a child, he was an active Boy Scout and member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. He was also a member of the Matador football team and FFA.

Larry attended Texas Technological College where he was a member of the Saddle Tramps. He first majored in Engineering, but after enjoying the college life a little too much, he wisely chose to change his major to Accounting. While at Texas Tech, Larry was a representative for the School of Business to the Supreme Court of Texas Tech. He went on to graduate in January of 1964. His love for the Red Raiders continued throughout his life.

After graduation, Larry volunteered for the Vietnam draft. He spent several months at Fort Hood where he was Company Clerk for Headquarters Company. He was transferred to Fort Devon, Massachusetts where they were making up a new brigade to reinforce the troops in Vietnam. He soon shipped out and spent 26 days aboard a ship. Larry was among the first troops to arrive in Vietnam. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and was stationed at Pleiku, near the Cambodian border. Larry returned home from Vietnam to civilian life in 1966.

Larry spent three years in Lubbock selling for Proctor and Gamble, and then was a sales representative for National Cash Register based in Midland. While there, he met Donna Bryant and married her in Odessa on June 6, 1970. In 1972, Larry bought a partnership in Matador Motor and Implement and moved to Matador. Larry and Donna lived and worked in Matador. By 1978, they had welcomed their two daughters, Tonya Marie and Laurie Virginia. Larry retired from the family business in 2007.

Larry is survived by his wife, Donna Hoyle of Matador; daughter Tonya Givens and Alejandro Diaz of Spur; daughter Laurie Bridge and husband Clayt of Afton; granddaughter Kaitlan Prewitt and husband Cameron of Breckenridge; granddaughters Madison and Weslyn Givens of Spur; granddaughter Tatom Bridge of Afton; and grandson Brylan Bridge of Afton; and his faithful furry sidekick, Remi.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Virgina Hoyle; his in-laws, Ralph and Wanda Bryant; and a host of family members, friends, and beloved family dogs. 

Larry was active in many community activities and organizations. He was a member of the Matador Lions’ Club for over 50 years, serving in many leadership roles. He served as the Motley County Library Board President. He was the organizer of the South Plains Food Bank food box delivery program in Matador. He also delivered Meals on Wheels weekly for many years. Larry was a faithful member, and deacon, of the First Baptist Church. He loved his church and served selflessly in whatever role was needed at the time.

After retirement, Larry enjoyed traveling with his wife Donna throughout the U.S., Canada, and even Europe. Larry loved drinking coffee daily with his “cronies” at Billie Dean’s and the Matador Senior Citizens’ Center and was privy to much small town gossip. He loved walking his dogs and was known to have made many miles around town. He also loved reading a good book, which often turned into a snooze in his favorite chair. Most of all, Larry loved his grandchildren dearly and was a huge supporter of their activities at both the Patton Springs and Spur schools. Of course, he always remained loyal to Motley County and Texas Tech. Long live the Matadors!

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 10:00am at the First Baptist Church in Matador, Texas, with Stacy Conner and Eddy Helms officiating. Burial will follow at East Mound Cemetery under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Bert Darsey, Crawford Mason, Brandon Moore,, Kyle Moore, Pat Smith, Richard Thomas. The honorary pallbearers are Alvin Alexander, Beetle Bailey, Bob Davis, Bundy Hal Campbell, James Palmer, Jim Watson, Joel Dean Spray, Kenny Barton, Ronnie Vandiver, and Roy Hobbs.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to the First Baptist Church, Motley County Senior Citizen’s, or the Motley County Library.