Obituary For Mr. Alfred Lyons

Lyons, Mr. Alfred "Boydee", a resident of Lanett, AL, died Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at his residence.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 12:00 P.M. from Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, 1601 Magnolia Road, Lanett, AL, Dr. Lamar D. Johnson, Pastor/Officiant and Rev. Hugh Brooks, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Lanett, AL. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing.

Public Viewing is scheduled for Friday, July 27, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.

Alfred Lyons, affectionately called “Boydee”, was born January 21, 1940 in Chambers County, Alabama to the late Charlie and Leamon Brooks Lyons. Alfred attended Lanier High School in Lanett, Alabama. He was joined in Holy Matrimony to Betty Sue Chislom on June 4, 1960. Their union was blessed with six children. As a part of his humble beginnings, his first job was with Roberson Brothers Slaughter House. He would later become the first entrepreneur of his family, being the owner of Lyons’ Garage. He successfully serviced the West Shawmut/Lanett, Community with a career in car repairs for 31 years. During this time, he repaired a car each year to donate to Valley Haven School in Valley, AL where he served as a board member, to help raise funds for the Annual Hike Bike Run. After retirement, he continued to make monetary donations to the school’s annual event.

Upon accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, Alfred joined the Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church and was an active and faithful member until his health declined. He served on the Building Committee for the present church, the Usher Board, the Van Ministry, a member of the adult Sunday School Class and worked diligently on various projects for the church. In 2015, he received a Dedicated Christian award during the 108th Church Anniversary. Alfred was instrumental in forming the Sensational Traveling Spirituals, a gospel quartet. They traveled various places spreading their love for Christ through the singing of gospel music.

Community service was very important to Mr. Lyons. He served as an active member of the Alabama Democratic Conference, receiving an award in 2002 for his dedication and service. He encouraged people to register to vote and would take election day off before his retirement to take the elderly and anyone who needed a ride to the polls. As a businessman, he joined the Chamber of Commerce and the West Shawmut Merchants Association. As a member, he supported and aided in the annexation of West Shawmut into the City of Lanett. As a result of the annexation, much needed street lights and sewage were supplied to the area. Not only did he work to serve his own community, he also served as a member of the Goodwill Board which aids people in communities nationwide. In an effort of community improvement, he went before the Chambers County Commission to request the installation of a bridge on Magnolia Road, which is a main roadway into West Shawmut/Lanett. The bridge was installed, in large part, due to his diligence and on February 19, 2018, the Chambers County Commission voted to name the bridge on Magnolia Road, the Alfred Lyons Bridge. Mr. Lyons spearheaded a project with the West Shawmut Merchants Association that assisted residents in Lanett with needed repairs to their home who could not afford to do so themselves due to lack of funds. He was instrumental in the speed limit change for Highway 29 and Highway 50 in Lanett. As he progressed in his plight for community involvement, he became a member of the Chattahoochee Valley Water Supply District Board of Directors and the Greater Valley Area Crime Stoppers Board. He received an Appreciation Award for his service to the CVWSD Board of Directors for the years 1993-2004.

Taking care of the elderly was always important to Mr. Lyons. Stressing the importance of taking care of one’s parents when they become unable to care for themselves, he and his wife provided a home for his parents and his mother-in-law during these years until their deaths. He had a ministry of visiting and giving gifts to the residents of Diversicare Nursing Home, formerly Golden Living, in Lanett. He was known there as the famous “Banana Man”. He truly served his community well. Alfred was loved by many and he hardly met a stranger. He was known for his comedic and sometimes NO HOLDS BARRED personality. Boydee did not have many hobbies, but he loved watching old westerns, listening to gospel music and spending time with family and friends. As you were traveling Highway 29 between Lanett and Valley, you could see his vehicle parked at either Mason’s Curb, formerly Brown’s, QV Service Station or McDonalds.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Charles Stephen and Clifford Lyons; his brothers, L. C. and Dennis Lyons; his sister, Mae Francis Brown; and his first cousin, who was like a brother, Rev. Louis Upshaw. Alfred “Boydee” Lyons departed this life on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at his residence.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Betty Lyons, Lanett, AL; his children, Alfreda (Kenneth) Page, Lanett, AL, Kenneth (Wilma) Lyons, Valley, AL, Tracy Lyons, West Point, GA and Alicia Cooper, Phenix City, AL; 13 grandchildren, Starlet, Candace, Kendell, Jarrod, Jasmyne, Kentavious, Koyal, Justin, Jordan, Tamara, Taurez, Tinez and Aria; 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Louise (Roosevelt) Flournoy and Geneva Spratling both of Lanett, AL and Mae (Jeffery) Finch, Valley, AL; three brothers, Ralph Lyons and Jerry Ferrell both of Lanett, AL and Clarence (Melody) Lyons, Valley, AL; brothers-in-law, Kerry (Lunange) Meadows and Bobby Brown, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Wenifred McCants, Natalie Meadows and Nettie Lyons; devoted friends, Bobby C. Stiggers and Henry Lee Goss; and, an array of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services

Guest Book

Dear Lyons family My wife and I are so sorry for your loss of Alfred he was a joy to be around. I met him at Mc Donalds we looked forward to seeing him I am sorry this is so late .We just learned about his passing. May God continue to bring you peace.

- Michael Clark

To the family, May you all find strength in Jehovah's word at Rev 21:4 "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away" - Victoria Daniel

- Rodgerick Daniel

Dear Lyons Family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Alfred (Lyons) what I always called him. He was the elderly's number one visitor. They really enjoyed his smile and fruit. They always looked forward to his visit. I worked on many project with Lyons when I served on the Lanett City Council and when I was with the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Lyons enjoyed being around people and they loved him. We are sure going to miss him but we all know we will seen him again one day. Love to all. Benita

- Benita Smallwood Gunnells

Dear Lyons Family. I've been knowing you all for years. Mr Alfred was indeed a gentleman . He will be remembered for all the kind things he did and all the silly things he would say. He never failed to ask me about my dad when he found out what was happening to him. He always told me how much he loved our family , even though I was DeLoach he always said he wasn't gonna hold that against me. Mr Alfred keep a watch over us buddy and always keep that smile and your gentle spirit. You will be missed.

- Gerry DeLoach Holley

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- Gerry DeLoach Holley

Dear Lyons Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Alfred was a fine man that had a heart for service for his community and his Lord. He touched many lives and brought happiness to people with his smile and sense of humor. He will be missed. Much love, Melanie & Beric Colley and Eva & Russell Sims

- Melanie Walls-Colley