John Allen Lyon

 John Allen Lyon, Jr., 91, longtime Mountain Brook resident, passed away peacefully at his Brookdale home Thursday, October 15, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Belva Jones Lyon; his children Susan Lyon Tucker (Ricky), Joan Lyon Gambril (Troy) and John William Lyon (Terri); his six grandchildren Donald Lee Gambril II (Sarah), Kelsey Ann Lyon Reinoehl (Anthony), Matthew Chandler Gambril, John Alan Gambril (Maggie), John William Tucker and Orrin Henry Ingram III; and one great grandchild Ruth Elizabeth Gambril. He was predeceased by his parents John Allen Lyon and Birdie Lee Chandler Lyon. John was born July 15, 1929, in Gadsden, Alabama, and grew up in Attalla, graduating from Etowah High School in 1947. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama in 1951. Upon graduation he served in the USAF as on OSI officer and was honorably discharged in 1953 with the final rank of First Lieutenant. John spent his professional career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1953 until retirement in 1986. He opened the Birmingham office of the firm in 1960 and was admitted to Partnership in 1962, serving as Managing Partner for the Birmingham office. John loved the accounting profession while combining knowledge and integrity throughout his career. His professional leadership positions included President of the Alabama Society of CPAs and the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham. He also served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Alabama and the Mountain Brook City Finance Committee. He was a member of Vestavia Country Club and was an avid golfer. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity while at Alabama and remained active in the alumni group. He loved Crimson Tide football, holding season tickets for many years and traveling to away games with Belva. One memorable game involved boating up the Tennessee River to Knoxville. John was a lifelong Methodist and was a member of Canterbury Methodist for almost 60 years. In addition to his faith, the most important parts of life were his beloved wife Belva, his children and grandchildren. There will be a private family service to honor and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Canterbury United Methodist Church, PO Box 130699, Birmingham, AL, 35213, or to your favorite charity.