Cecil Ray Lyons

Born in 1929 in Perry, Florida, he was the fifth of 8 siblings. He graduated from Taylor County High School in Perry in 1949. He met the love of his life Jewel Revels in Perry, and they were married in 1954. They moved to Jacksonville in 1957 as Ray began working for the United States Postal Service. He worked there for 35 years and loved his job and earned numerous awards there. His family often heard from co-workers who expressed how they enjoyed working with him. He enjoyed spending time with family and traveling, one time driving to Canada for the 1967 World’s Fair. He also loved working in his yard.

Ray served as a deacon at the Lakeshore Church of Christ for 25 years. He was a huge fan of the Florida State Seminoles and began attending football games each fall in Tallahassee beginning in 1972. His family members are still using those tickets after 52 years.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Cecil V and Lelia, brother Hermus, sisters Eldis Ward, Linda Staelens, and Willow Jean Lyons. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Jewel; his children Mike (Teresa), Timothy and Christopher; his four grandchildren, Clint Lyons (Erin), Deanna Wing (Jon), Kasey Lyons and Kaylee Lyons; great-grandchildren Tinsley and Hudson Wing, and Patton Lyons; siblings Betty Frith and Tommie Nell Beal; many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held February 15th, 2025 at the Lakeshore Church of Christ at 1796 Old Middleburg Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32210. Visitation will be from 10:30 am to 12 pm, services at 12pm, followed by graveside services at 1pm at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for their care during this difficult time.