Eugene Allen Lyons

Mr. Eugene Allen Lyons, 87, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. The oldest of seven children, he was born to the late Clarence and Lela Lyons on August 28, 1927. Recruited for his size to play a game he had never played, Mr. Lyons attended Appalachian State Teachers' College with a football scholarship. Following college graduation, Mr. Lyons taught and coached in Statesville, NC and Sandy Ridge, NC. After teaching for six years, he was selected to serve as principal of Lawsonville School. In 1964, Mr. Lyons was chosen as the principal of the new, consolidated North Stokes High School where he provided leadership and guidance to the Vikings for twenty years. After retiring from his career in education, he was elected to serve as a Stokes County Commissioner. Mr. Lyons proudly held this position for twelve years. Hoping to improve the lives of its citizens, he also served on many boards and committees in Stokes County. One of his hobbies during retirement was refinishing furniture. Mr. Lyons worked in his refinishing shop for over twenty-five years, and repaired and refinished hundreds of pieces of furniture. He was a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Sandy Ridge. In addition to his parents, Mr. Lyons was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel, and son, Thomas. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Lyons and Donald Lyons. Mr. Lyons is survived by his daughters, Gail Shelton and Joy Shinn, and son-in-law, Frank Shinn. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Norris; his brothers, Ernest Lyons; Carlton (Peggy) Lyons; Doyle (Brenda) Lyons; his sisters-in-law, Rachel Lyons; Lu Lyons; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center for their compassionate care of Dad during his illness. Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to all of the exceptional caregivers and support staff at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home for providing comfort and a peaceful environment during Dad's final days. Dad was deeply touched by the love and appreciation expressed in the hundreds of cards and letters he received during his Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home stay. He was also comforted by the beautiful prayer quilt from the Snow Hill United Methodist Church members. Gail, Joy, and Frank also thank the many friends and former co-workers who called, sent cards, visited, and brought food and flowers to Dad after he relocated to Winston-Salem. Dad had a great affection for Stokes County and the many fine people who live there. He was a North Stokes Viking to the end. Those of you who knew Dad well, know that he was a quiet, unassuming man. In keeping with Dad's wishes, there will be no memorial service. He asked his daughters and son-in-law to scatter his ashes on the family farm. The family respectfully requests that any memorials be made to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home at 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Lyons.

Memorial Contribution