Wortham "Buddy" Lyon

Wortham Clarence Lyon, Jr., “Buddy”, went to be with our Lord on January 8, 2017. He was born in Durham NC on August 23, 1926, the son of Wortham C. Lyon, Sr. and Elizabeth Card Lyon. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Jean Little Lyon and sister, Marianna Meredith. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 2pm Thursday January 12, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Monroe with the Rev. Dr. Chris Dawson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 1:45 on Thursday, January 12, 2017 in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church. Interment will be Friday at 12 noon with Military Honors at Wake Forest Cemetery, N. White Street, Wake Forest, NC. Buddy is survived by his beloved children, Frances E. Hoover and husband Dr. Charles H. Hoover, III and Henry W. Lyon and his wife, Christina M. Lyon; grandchildren, Elizabeth Gwynne and husband Peter H. Gwynne; Charles H. Hoover, IV and Matthew Lyon Hoover; Brother-in-Law, Howard Meredith, and numerous nieces and nephews. Buddy proudly served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater in WWII. Following the war, Buddy attended UNC Chapel Hill where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and enjoyed singing and recording with the Sigma Chi Sextet. He graduated with a BS in Commerce in 1950 and upon completion of additional studies, worked in the banking industry for many years. He completed his career in development positions with Campbell University and Meredith College. Among the many things for which Buddy had a passion, singing in the church choir was one of his favorites. He loved people, never met a stranger and no matter who you were, he always made you feel very special. He loved telling jokes and had quite a repertory. He was the family historian and photographer, recording countless travel and family events throughout his entire life. He loved to play golf, cards and rarely missed watching the Carolina Panthers and the UNC Tarheels games with family and friends. Of all his accomplishments, perhaps his greatest, was what he gave of himself to his beloved family. He was wonderful friend, father, grandfather and gave us all something to cherish. He will be greatly missed. The family request in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to First Baptist Church of Monroe, 109 West Morrow Ave. Monroe, NC 28112.