J. C. “Tommy” Lyles, age 89, died January 1, 2006 at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, eleven days short of his 90th birthday. He was born in Rock Hill, SC on January 12, 1916 to Julius M. and Mary Grubb Lyles. He worked most of his adult life in and around Charlotte, NC before retiring from Perfecting Service Company as a machine tool maintenance/repairman. He has been an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church since moving to Mid-County from North Carolina in 1979. A member of Excelsior Lodge 261 A.F. & A.M. of Charlotte, NC, he was presented his 50th year pin by the Grand Lodge of Texas and Nederland Lodge 1368 A.F. & A. M.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth Lyles; one son, Richard A. Lyles and wife Marilyn; grandsons, Mark and wife Debby and Cayce and wife Jennifer; granddaughter-in-law, Nuria Lyles; three sisters, Inez Jones of Kannapolis, NC, Lilly Barrett of Marettia, GA, and Sarah Tucker of Matthews NC.; great grandchildren, Chelsea, Cody, Josie, and Jamie Lyles.
“Tommy” was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Penry; and grandson, Richard.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 2425 Nall St. Port Neches on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at 6:00 PM, under the direction of Broussard’s Nederland, with Reverend Cliff Rucker officiating. A reception and visitation with the family will follow the services at the church.
Many hours of his retirement was spent in his woodshop making various things. The last multiple production project was spent making decorative wooden crosses from many exotic woods. It was his desire that every lady in his church have a cross that he made.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the memorial fund of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Port Neches.
