Mr. James Fay Lyles

James Fay Lyles, 100, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 19, 2025 He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Estelle, brother Carl, and beloved sisters Betty, Mildred, Judy, and his cherished and precious wife, Marguerite Virginia Benton Lyles. He is survived by his two sons, Tom and his wife Cindy of Powhatan, and David and his wife Carolyn of Powhatan; grandsons Jason (Lisa), Brian (Katie), Mike and Matt; and great-grandchildren Joshua, Virginia, Ellie, Daisy, Jack, Ben, and Colton.

Considering his long life, it is amazing to note how it began - or rather barely began. He was born 2 months early on May 30, 1925 at the family farmhouse with such a low weight that he was not expected to live through the night. Thus, no birth certificate was made. Later, not having a birth certificate, he was able to join the Navy in 1943 on his father’s word regarding his age. Jim valued patriotism and served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943-46 during the difficult times of WWII. After the war, he went on to graduate from then Clemson College in 1949 with a degree in Horticulture.

Jim worked 36 years for the Virginia Department of Agriculture in the Department of Weights & Measures. He was a past President of the Southern Weights & Measures Association, served on the Board of Directors, and was the Chairman of the Laws & Regulations Committee. He finished his career as the Weights & Measures Bureau Chief in 1988.

Jim had many loves during his long life. He loved his parents, his family, grand kids, great-grand kids, his friends & neighbors, and especially his devoted wife of 53 years, Marguerite Virginia Benton Lyles. A career elementary school teacher, Mom met Dad on a blind date December 1, 1951, became engaged a month later, and were married July 27, 1952. It was love at first sight for both, and their favorite place to be was with each other. They were a constant source of love, support and inspiration to each other until Mom’s passing March 13, 2005.

Most importantly during his life and now, Dad loved his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, whose Spirit was evident and present in his daily life. Together with Mom they were the spiritual leaders of our family. Dad’s faithfulness to his church, and giving to all of his many loves demonstrated his identity in Christ, his raising, and his personal character. He was a man of quiet faith and strong conviction, where faith, family and friends came first. His life verse was John 3:16, the key promise from God regarding eternal life, and the reminder of God's unlimited love, His grace, and His incalculable sacrifice. This verse was Dad's North Star to guide and keep him on track.

Jim was a 57 year faithful member of the Ridge Baptist Church in Henrico County where he served as Deacon, Director of the Youth Department, a Royal Ambassador program leader, committee member, teller and dedicated “painter” (ie, with paint scraper, brush, roller and elbow grease). He painted practically every room and hallway in the church, at least twice. He, like his father J.D. before him, was a giver, a servant, a leader and a Gentleman.

Jim’s many additional activities included being a Scoutmaster to his sons’ Scout Troop 545, and various other Scouting roles for 24+ years. He was an avid fisherman, canoeist, ham radio operator, and RV Camper enthusiast visiting all 49 U.S. continental states and all of the Canadian provinces and territories.

Reflecting back, we are grateful to Dad for so much, and so we list a few gratitudes here to document and always remember. The way he loved our Mom. Sitting at his desk reading his Bible. Always taking us to church. Working with us on stuff in the garage when we were little. Camping, canoeing, kayaking and fishing trips. Building Pinewood Derby cars. His sacrifice getting us through college. Helping us with various fix-up projects in our homes. RV, Boat and Airplane adventures. Big family meals at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Pimento cheese picnics at rest areas along the road to his birthplace home in South Carolina. Beach vacation breakfasts where he would fix the best eggs, bacon, pancakes & cheese grits. Biking, walking and flying kites along the beach while telling stories and joking around. Playing chicken foot with Dominoes. His love of joke telling, and the handkerchief he’d have to pull out to wipe away the laughter tears. His caring manor for our mom in her last years.

Overall, his incredible journey between 1925 - 2025 was a time blessed, well lived out, and a blessing to us all.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 31 at the Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel, 1771 Parham Road 23229 on Saturday. November 1 at 10 a.m.. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. at Holly Lawn Cemetery, 1525 N. Main St, Suffolk, Va.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org

or by mail to 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.