Mack R. Lyons, 76, born May 28, 1942 in Elizabethton, Tenn., died Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence “C.A.” “Jack” Lyons and Elizabeth Greer Lyons, and a nephew, Flynn Cole.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Whitlock Lyons (who cared very patiently for me during my illness); son, Richard “Dickie” Lyons (Rachel); daughters, Julie Shook (John) and Lori Wilson (Mike); grandsons, David Lyons (Bri), Seth Lyons, Stephen Wilson, Eric Wilson and Nicholas Wilson; granddaughters, Kelly Lyons, Ashley Lyons and Leah Lyons; a great-grandchild due to be born next April; sisters, Carolyn Dail and Joan Bennett, Powell, Tenn.; nephews, Brady Williams and Allan Cole (Lynne); and nieces, Marsha Sparks and April Snellings (Larry).
Mack retired from Holston Defense Corporation, Human Resources Department, in January 1999 after 33 years of service, after which he enjoyed restoring and selling antiques.
He attended Elizabethton High and Milligan College, played football at EHS, and was a light heavy-weight boxer for the late Don Marshall.
He was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served in many ways throughout the years.
Mack experienced a disabling illness in recent years. God allowed him to rededicate his life to Him during that illness with counsel from Rev. Ron Owens. Ask Him, He can do the same for you.
Pallbearers are David Lyons, Seth Lyons, Stephen Wilson, Eric Wilson, Nicholas Wilson, Mike Wilson, John Shook, Brady Williams, Jerry Harper, Garry Smith and Brady Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Lewis, Ferriel McClain, Jerry Slemp, Jack McAmis, Alvin Woodby, Paul “Buck” Smith, Dr. Daniel Paul, Jack Cole, Sammy Nave, Bill Hartley, Arden Hill, Tom “Yoga” Bowers, Jeff Hardin, Steve Street, Jerry VeHaun and Fred Greer. These are some of the very special people from my lifetime.
A service to honor the life of Mack Lyons will be conducted at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 15, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ron Owens and Rev. Tim Tapp officiating. Music will be provided by Gary Rice, Jerry Barnett and Mary Louise Lindsay. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service, or at the home at anytime. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, September 16, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Travis Biller officiating. The family and friends will meet at the funeral chapel at 12:50 p.m. Sunday to go to the cemetery. The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Daniel Paul and the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt Medical Center for the care shown to Mack Lyons during his illness. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of nephew Flynn Cole. Condolences may be sent to the family on our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com
Memorial Funeral Chapel, 212 North Main Street, Elizabethton, Tenn., is serving the Lyons Family.