Robert Lyons
Robert See "Bob" Lyons, 85, of Signal Mountain, passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018.
Bob was born in Menifee County, (near Mt. Sterling), Ky., on May 4, 1932. He was an active member of Signal Mountain Baptist Church and a retired managing partner for Ernst & Young accounting firm where he worked for 34 years. Bob loved a great many things - a few of these being Zarzour’s Café, the band Exile, horseracing, his friends in the various local coffee shops, and the Nashville Predators. He was enjoying a Predators game the night before his death and excitedly watched them beat Ottawa 5-2.
Bob was proud of his 60-year marriage to Jonnie Sue Lyons and loved seeing his granddaughters grow up here in Chattanooga. During his 46 years in this city he was active in all things Chattanooga: he served on boards and committees with Memorial Hospital, Tennessee Aquarium, YMCA, Girls Preparatory School, and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. He worked for many years with the Chamber of Commerce and was a past president. His civic passions continued through his volunteer work with the United Way, Allied Arts, and Salvation Army.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jonnie Sue Lyons, daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Andy Michaud, and granddaughters, Amanda and Jackie Michaud.
Dad had this saying on his wall for decades and it really embodies his work ethic and how he lived his life: “Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle-when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.” And dad did.
Visitation will be at Signal Mountain Baptist Church, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. The funeral service will be held immediately after at 1 p.m. at the church with a private burial following.