Charles William Lyons, Sr., 89, passed away November 2, 2026. He was born January 18, 1937 to the late Harry and Eleine (Lyons) Pettit. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Shuba and Pattie Pettit; one brother, Harry Pettit, Jr.; one son, James Lyons; two great grandchildren, James Lyons, III and Nevaeh Lyons.

Charles served in the United States Air Force and retired after 23 years. After his military service, he worked for the United States Postal Service where he retired again after 26 years.

Charles loved golf, fishing, and football. His favorite football teams were the Steelers and the Razorbacks. He was a craftsman and enjoyed working with wood. He affectionately earned the nickname “Roaming Gnome” since he would wander into Chambers Drug store on Main Street and visit and everywhere else he could. Most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and animals.

Charles is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ethel Lyons; children, Carole (Sammy Trantham) Fortson, Charles (Meri) Lyons, Jr., and Angie Lyons; seven grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; two sisters, Lois McComb and Peggy (Bill) Rice; sister-in-law, Joan Crews; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2026 at Moores Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Committal service will follow with full military honors at Chapel Hill Memorial Park where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project in Mr. Lyons’ honor.