Obituary of Dewey Ray Lyles

Dewey Ray Lyles, 84, husband of Hazel Ann Nunnery Lyles, died Monday, May 1, 2017, at his home.

 

Born March 30, 1933, in Lee County, he was a son of the late Hanie Levi Lyles and Willie Watson Lyles.

 

Mr. Lyles was a graduate of Bishopville High School, Clevenger College and other Finance studies at USC Columbia.  He was a U.S. Army Korean veteran and also served in the S.C. National Guard and as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. 

 

He was a former charter member of Lucknow Baptist Church in Lee County where he served as a Deacon, Treasurer, Teacher, Music Director, Sunday School Superintendent and Church Clerk for over 30 years.  He was a current member of Southside Baptist Church, was a past Deacon, Chairman of the Men & Brother’s Devotion, and a member of the choir.    

 

He retired from the school district after 30 years of service as board member and Director of Fiscal Affairs.  He served on the Lee County Board of Education for 20 years of which he was Chairman of the Board for 10 years, was also Chairman of the first elected board.    While serving on the Lee County School Board of Education, he was selected to Who’s Who for his leadership as Board Chairman by Francis Marion College. 

 

He was a high school League Basketball and Football Official for 16 years.  He helped coach Little League baseball for several years.  He called the S.C. Athletic Coach Association All-Star game in 1971.  He was a member of the Woodmen of the World Lodge #157; a former member of the Southern Business Association. 

 

Mr. Lyles was a life member and Past Master of Lucknow Masonic Lodge #212, and member of Beuclare Chapter #20 Order of Eastern Star.  He was also a former member of the Bishopville Kiwanis and Optimist Clubs. 

 

Surviving are his wife of the home; three daughters, Sheila McDougald (Cooney) of Bishopville, Susan Gardner (Gilliam) of McBee; and Stacie Watson (Cam) of Bishopville; one son, Mark Lyles of Columbia; one stepdaughter, Denise Welch of Columbia; five grandchildren, Kelly and Ryan McDougald, Nicole Atkinson, Megan Gardner and Savage Watson; four step-grandchildren, Gavin Martin, Jaka Allen, Lindsay and Johnathan Welch; and five great-grandchildren. 

 

He was predeceased by four brothers, Leo Lyles, Robert W. Lyles, James E. Lyles and Charles Lyles; three sisters, Wilhelmina Galloway, Wilma Kelley and Naomi Burress.

 

Funeral services will be held at 4 P.M. Wednesday in the Chapel of the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Holley officiating.

 

Burial will be in the Sumter Cemetery.

 

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 P.M. Wednesday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home.

 

Memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 1116 Manning Road, Sumter, SC 29150.

 

On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

 

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.