Eugene Edward Lyons III March 1, 1968 – November 9, 2014
EUGENE EDWARD “ED” LYONS III passed away on November 9, 2014 at home in Madison, Alabama. Born March 1, 1968 in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Ed possessed an appreciation for cars, love for family and Sundrop soda, a disdain for squirrels and a unique gift to connect with people. A graduate of Grissom High School and Auburn University, Ed preferred life experiences, leading to lessons of wisdom: Don’t shoot a skunk in your own yard. Bigger and faster is better. Go out of your way to make and help a friend and your friend’s friend. If you knew Ed, you weren’t alone. Ed seemed to know everyone. Spending his early life in Shelbyville and Tullahoma, Tennessee , Ed and his family moved to Huntsville in 1979. Growing up, Ed showed a desire for speed and an unwavering energy early in life. Whether testing the limits of Sandra’s patience, pestering his older sister Lesley or playing sports, Ed did it with an unrelenting energy. His affinity for fast cars began with his first true love, a Mustang GT and ended with his last, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. Ed liked Auburn football, a 7 & 7, Peyton Manning and Michael Jordan (while secretly harboring an interest in Tennessee despite straying from the family allegiance.) A self-professed champion of the video game Golden Tee, Ed had an appreciation for golf, a love passed to him by his late father Eugene ‘Gene’ Lyons, Jr. Ever the caretaker, Ed spent much time and energy concerned with the well-being of family and friends. Routine was the offer to help, even when it was difficult. Ed was a problem-solver, and a darn good one regardless of the challenge. He loved the company of loyal friends, and excelled at making new ones. In business, Ed’s acumen, innovative solutions and abil- ity to collaborate led him to increasing responsibility within the Huntsville contracting community. His most recent position as Executive VP of Enterprise Programs at 4M Re- search was a source of great pride as he worked to grow the venture, despite his failing health. His networking skills were legendary; he utilized his “Ed-net” to solve any challenge. But Ed’s true passion was for his family. He loved spending time with his wife Susie (Patterson) Lyons and daughters Lauren, Allee and Anna Claire. Providing a stable, loving home for them was the engine that drove him. From racing to be the first to say ‘Happy Anniversary’ each year to serving as a coach for his daughters’ sports teams, Ed’s attention to detail in family was paramount. Family was his real joy and he was their hero playing the greatest role: Husband. Dad. Ed had a lifelong affection for the beach – specifically Dauphin Island, Ala. – which he lovingly passed on to his own family. Feared by sand crabs everywhere, Ed believed no spotlight was too big to expose the imminent threat of the burrowing hoard. In addition to his wife and children, Ed is survived by his mother: Sandra Lyons; sister: Lesley Lyons Abashian (Phil); aunt: Nancy Lillard; cousin: John Lillard (Deanna) and several nieces and nephews. His passing was preceded by those of his father Gene Lyons, maternal grandparents, Leslie and Lolita Cartwright, paternal grandparents Eugene Edward Sr. and Eleanor Lyons, Uncle Larry Lillard, cousin Lyons “Cap” Lillard , faithful dog Koppel and one 5.0 liter V8 Ford Mustang engine. While the disease that ravaged his body ended his physical presence, Ed’s spirit will live on in those that knew him. It was a privilege to share in his journey. Visitation was held on Wednesday, November 12 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. was followed by his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2014 with Dr. Alan Weatherly officiating. Interment followec at Huntsville Memory Gardens. Donations may be made to the Ed Lyons Memorial Fund through Servis 1st Bank, Attn: Theresa Ball, P.O. Box 18127, Huntsville, Alabama 35804
