Frank Lyles

Frank Arromanus Lyles, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on November 21, 2012. He had lived with a positive attitude and generous spirit in spite of his twelve-year battle with Alzheimer's, and continued to enjoy family and friends throughout, as they also enjoyed him. He was a devoted husband for 61 years to Florine France Lyles and a loving father to four children. A seventh-generation South Carolinian, Frank grew up in Spartanburg. He attended The Citadel through his junior year when he enlisted in the army as a Lieutenant in World War II and served in the European theater and the Japanese occupation. He returned to South Carolina to graduate from the Citadel with the Class of 1944, and from The University of South Carolina Law School in 1948. He continued military service in the National Guard and then the Army Reserve Judge Advocate Generals Corp until 1972 when he retired as a Colonel. His distinguished career in law began in association with his father Thomas Minter Lyles and brother William Crews Lyles. Notable causes he successfully supported included a case before the United States Supreme Court defending the free exercise of religion, and counsel to Spartanburg city schools through peaceful desegregation and decades of strong growth. He continued civil law practice in Spartanburg for more than 50 years until his retirement from the firm he led, then known as Lyles, Darr and Clark. He is gratefully remembered by clients not only for his sound and conscientious legal guidance but also his sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and unfailing courtesy. Frank Lyles generously contributed to many Spartanburg government and civic organizations. Drawing on his expertise in real estate law, he served as the initial Chairman of the Spartanburg Board of Assessment Control, a post he held for 15 years, and also served on the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning and Board of Zoning Appeals. His professional and civic service included presidencies of the Spartanburg Bar Association, Chamber of Commerce, Audubon Society, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Retired Officers Association, as well as serving as a founding member and president of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy Board (SPACE) and Sertoma Club. He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of its Administrative Board and other leadership and service roles. He was also a member of the Piedmont Club and The Country Club of Spartanburg for many years. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Minter Lyles and mother, Madeleine Crews Lyles; brothers Thomas Lyles, John Lyles, and William Lyles. He is survived by his wife, Florine France Lyles, sister Madeleine Lyles Jeter, and children Lawrence France Lyles of Dallas, Texas; Bertram Thomas Lyles, his wife Jeanne and sons Thomas and Frank of Nashville, Tennessee; Lucille Norris Lyles Henner, husband Thomas, children Ryan, Jacob and Madeleine Anne of Avondale Estates, Georgia; and Frank Arromanus Lyles Jr, wife Jacqueline, and children Caroline and Frank III of Atlanta, Georgia; 15 nephews, nieces and others in his extended family; as well as a devoted goddaughter, Ellen Watters Wilkins. Frank was a bright, compassionate man with a quick wit. His life was lived with integrity and grace. He enjoyed camping, boating, sailing and travel with his family. He remained always a cheerful, polite gentleman, loved deeply by those who knew him well. The family is deeply appreciative of Tonya Lewis, Sheila Foster, Vicky Peake and others with Dayspring Caregivers as well as Spartanburg Regional Hospice for all the dedication and compassionate care they gave Frank near the end of his life. A Memorial Service will be held at Central United Methodist Church at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, November 25, 2012, conducted by the Rev. Alex Stevenson. The family will greet friends following the service in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd - Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621; Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306; Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE), 100 E. Main Street - Suite 7, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation (Hospice), 101 E. Wood St., Spartanburg, SC 29303. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frank Arromanus Lyles please visit our Sympathy Store.