Charlie Lyons

Charles Morgan Lyons, 88, of Valdosta died on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House. He was born on December 29, 1936, in Tift County to the late Byron & Ruby Chapman Lyon. Charlie grew up on the family farm in Tift County, in the Excelsior community, between TyTy and Omega. He was educated at Tift County Schools, ABAC and Valdosta State College. He met the former Helen Bruce when he was 17, and they were married on August 27, 1954. They were married for 67 years prior to her death in 2021. He began working for Georgia Power Company in 1964 as an Appliance Salesman. In 1968 he moved to Valdosta and was promoted to Division Appliance Sales Supervisor. He was a very successful salesman and sales manager and won more than 50 world-wide trips sponsored by appliance manufacturers. He took early retirement in 1992 from Georgia Power. In 1997 he opened a Southern Linc cellphone business with partner, Jack Perry, known as South Georgia Digital. Later they became a dealer for Alltel, operating until 2009. He continued to win 11 more extraordinary trips. Charlie was very active in the community, having joined the Azalea City Kiwanis Club in 1973, having served as a Board Member, President and as Division Lt. Governor. He also served as Long Pond Property Association Chief Financial Officer. In 1985, he and Helen joined the Valdosta Yacht Club. He later became part owner and CEO of The Yacht Club Holding Company.

Growing up, Charlie was a member of First Baptist Church of Tifton, having served as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. Later in Valdosta, he and his family joined First Baptist Church of Valdosta in 1968. He was a member of the Scrap Iron Sunday School Class, was an usher for the past 10 years and was a Deacon.

Survivors include his three beloved daughters, Karen Lyons Pierce, Kathy Lyons Smith, Karmen Lyons (& Russell) Browning; their treasured grandchildren: Tom Bush Smith (IV), Lauren Ashley Pierce (Taran Alderman), Chance Morgan Smith (Thomas Hart), Johnathan Mawdsley Pierce (Katie), Sara Helen Browning Cooper (Chase), Gracie Browning Rybicky (Dillon); and very close friend, Jacquie Thigpen. Also surviving are ten very special great grandchildren; a brother-in-law Leajar Brooks; a sister-in-law Mary Kate Bruce, his treasured companion, Beau, his dog; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Bruce Lyons, and his son-in-law, Gary Pierce; and three sisters, Grace (& Gene) Payne, Clair Brooks, and Geneva (& Bill) Conoly.

The funeral for Charlie will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in the Chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. Rev. Chuck Owens, Rev. Dennis Massie, and Rev. Mac Weaver will officiate. Entombment will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service on Saturday from 1:30 pm until service time. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Valdosta or The Valdosta Yacht Club. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.