Richard Hamilton Lyon Sr.

Richard Hamilton Lyon, age 72, departed his home in Mango, Fla. and entered into the arms of his loving Savior on December 30, 2016. Richard first and foremost was a child of God saved by the loving blood of Jesus Christ. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Brenda Lyon; daughters, Sherree Skrocki and Alicia Lethbridge (Matt); son, Rickey Lyon (Andrea); and grandchildren, Ashleigh Skrocki, Sofia Lethbridge and Hannah Lethbridge.

Hamilton and Ernestine Lyon welcomed Richard into this world on September 19, 1944 in Akron, Ohio and moved the family to Tampa when Richard was just 2 years old. Richard developed his love for food at a young age. One time when his parents were at work, he decided to surprise them with a special St. Patrick’s Day dinner in which everything he cooked was green. Richard was a proud member of the first graduating class from King High School and loved to let you know that he was successful at having the school mascot named for his namesake the “lions”. Through the years Richard held a number of careers in varied sales positions, but his constant passion was to serve through the local church. Richard had a music ministry that spanned over 5 decades including music director, choir director and vocal and instrumental specials. Richard also loved to teach Sunday School. His time as a teacher spanned many forms of technology from overhead transparencies that he would meticulously outline the scripture to PowerPoint Presentations that he would create with superb detail. Above all, Richard loved to lead others to worship Jesus through song as well as teaching them God’s Word through Sunday School.

Richard never met a stranger in his life; only friends he didn’t know yet. By the end of a meal out, he would be friends with the waitress, hostess and maybe even the cook back in the kitchen. He loved and welcomed everyone that he met. Richard was a life-long Florida State Seminole fan; a personal passion that might have only been surpassed when the USF Bulls started a college football team.

At the young age of 28 Richard met Brenda and knew instantly that she was the woman for him. Despite her declining to have coffee with him, Richard pursued and within three short months they were married and together with Sherree started their family in a small single wide mobile home. Two and a half years later Alicia was born. When Richard heard it was a girl he said “send her back, I want a boy.” After just two more years that boy arrived when Rickey was born. Together they had many great family memories of special events, holidays and family vacations. Many years later the family grew again when the kids started marrying. When Matt asked Richard for Alicia’s hand in marriage, he said yes, but before Matt had the chance to propose, he told Alicia that she can always say “no” without ever telling her what the question was. Just this year Richard welcomed Andrea to the family when she married Rickey. Richard was overjoyed to take the name “Papa” from his three granddaughters Ashleigh, Sofia and Hannah. He loved teasing and joking with them, but primarily he just loved their hugs.

At the young age of 72 Richard left those of us that he loved and cherished; however, we can take comfort in knowing that he is now in the arms of Jesus his Savior who loves him so much that He died so that Richard could spend eternity with Him in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Matt & Alicia’s mission work with ABWE. More information can be found at www.thelethbridges.com. Please make checks payable to ABWE. In the memo line, include our name (Matthew & Alicia Lethbridge) and account number (0135921). Mail to PO Box 8585, Harrisburg PA 17105. To give online please visit http://myaccount.abwe.org/p-257-lethbridge-matthew-and-alicia.aspx.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2017 at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.