Richard A Lytle

Dr. Richard A. Lytle, age 69, died Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at his home. A native and lifelong resident of Birmingham, Richard was a graduate of Woodlawn High School, Birmingham Southern College, and University of Alabama School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency under the direction of Dr. John Kirklin in 1975.

After completing his training, Richard served two years in the Navy in Long Beach, California. On returning to Birmingham, he joined Dr. William “Bucky” Wood to establish Wood, Lytle PA at East End Hospital. This practice relocated to Medical Center East/St Vincent’s East and eventually added additional partners in Dr. Allen Perry, Dr. Steve Heinzman, and Dr. William Wood III. He served on the board of Eastern Health Systems and Outpatient Services East while in practice. He had many faithful employees who remained with the practice for years.

His many memberships included the Woodlawn High School Hall of Fame, American Medical Association, Diplomate of the American Board of Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, UAB Medical Alumni Society, and Southeastern Surgical Society. He served as President of Birmingham Surgical Society, Birmingham Academy of Medicine, and the Kirklin Society. He also served as Vice President of Jefferson County Medical Society. Richard in later life became widely known among years of Woodlawn High graduates as he worked tirelessly to organize reunions. Richard and Martha were supporters of education, both in Mountain Brook and at Birmingham Southern College.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents: W. Murray and Lottie Lytle; his brother: W. Murray Lytle, Jr. and sisters: Eleanor Lytle Hay and Ann Lytle Burkett. He is survived by his beloved wife and companion of 44 years, Martha Crawford Lytle; his son Dr. Richard, Jr (Kelly); daughter Karen Lytle Svetlay (Dan), and adored grandchildren Jane Svetlay and Richard III, Henry, and Oliver Lytle. He is also survived by his sister Mary Jane Allen of Yuma, Arizona, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thomas and Sylvia Crawford, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 17th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Valley Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. also at Ridout’s Valley Chapel.

The family requests memorials in memory of Dr. Richard Lytle be made to a charity of your choice.