He was born in Arjay, Kentucky the son of the late Earl and Mary Grabbs Lyons. He joined the U.S. Army and was in the Vietnam conflict. After service he moved to Henderson and was employed by International Paper for 37 years.
He is sruvived by two daughters and a son, Lisa Lyons of Ashville, NC and Donna Lyons and John Lyons both of Henderson; 6 grandchildren; sisters Geraldine Hargett of Houston, TX, Juanita Rice of Troy, OH, Fredia Mills and Marie Long both of Bimble, KY and Carol Foster of Bethel, OH; brothers, James Lyons of New Castel, TN, Jr. Lyons of Harrolgate, TN and Lee Lyons of Straight Creek, KY.