David L. Lyons, Jr., 63, of Jacksonville, was born September 20, 1953 to Florence and David Lyons, Sr. in Little Rock, Arkansas. To those who knew and loved him, he was Duke. Duke went home to be with the Lord Thursday, December 29, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Duke accepted Christ as a young boy at Howard Street Church of Christ in Little Rock. He attended Harris Elementary School and Harris High School in McAlmont until integration sent him to Jacksonville High School, where he graduated in 1971. He attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas AM&N) where he played football. He previously worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.
Duke had a love for football, once playing on a semi-professional team in Texas. He loved the UAPB Golden Lions, and when his son played there, he was in his element. Duke also loved to fish. Many days he could be found at one of his favorite fishing spots, Lake Conway or Faulkner Lake. Duke spent over 30 years in the car sales business, and he enjoyed the interaction with customers and co-workers, many of whom became friends over the years. Duke had the biggest heart; if he could find some way to help another person, he did so with genuine care and a huge smile. There was no doubt that Duke loved his family and he loved God.
He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted son, Kelton (Shavara) Lyons of Houston, TX; sister, Linda (J. R.) Medley of Little Rock; brothers, Darryl Lyons of Atlanta, GA and Donald Lyons of North Little Rock; three grandchildren, Kamaira Amanda Lyons, Kaven Lamar Lyons, and Kasyn Elle Lyons; and their grandmother, Lena Carter-Gilliam; his nieces, Jacqueline (Leonard) Hawkins, Jasmine Medley, and Robyn McCarley; his best friend, Johnnie Mass; and a whole host of relatives and friends.
A family memorial honoring Duke will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at McAlmont Church of Christ, 1824 East 46th Street, North Little Rock, from 6 to 7 pm.
Cremation entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 W Main St, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.
43 Comments
Our prayers and love are with our family at this sad time. Duke will be sorely missed at family gatherings. His booming voice and big happy personality brought joy to the occasion.
Prayers!!
Prayers
Praying for the family. Know the love we had for our brother in christ.
We love you family and will honor our part of Duke’s Eternal Energies.
Big Dave was a gentle giant in my eyes. He was always there if you needed him, he showed his love in Chicago many times and will always be remembered for that. Our mothers were twin sisters and David and I were born the same year. We didn’t talk as often as we should but when we did it was a long conversation. R.I.P. Condolences to all my family and his love ones.
Rest in love, Duke.
Always keeping family in prayer. God is able!!!!!!!
Long time friend of mine , You will be missed.
To the brother that held us together, all of these years. Words cannot express how much you will be missed . Rest in peace my dear friend.
Classmate and friend. Kelton will truly miss you. Kamaira has many fond memories of you. Kaven and Kasyn will listen to stories about you. I promise I’ll take care of our grandkids..Rest in peace.
I will always miss you Papa but i know you are in a better place
You always found ways to make me laugh….unc you will always be remembered
Our prayers are with the Lyons family. Duke was the big man with a big heart. He will be missed by many.
Truly one of my best friends(bff). Loved fishing, talking, and had a big heart. No request was to big and no favor was to small.
We grew up together at Howard Street. And still remain friends. Rest In Peace my dear Brother In Christ
Duke still can’t believe it a truly good brother and friend will miss you my love
Rest In Peace Duke. Many prayers and blessings for the family.
We will miss our dear friend , that big smile, the man with the big heart. Praying for the Lyon family, may God bless you all.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ give you peace and comfort at this time and all ways Love and blessings,gonna Miss him,. Ella Mckinney
May our Lord Jesus Christ give you peace and comfort as only he can
JR Boy, one of my best friends. I first met Duke in August 1971, we were roommates our freshman year, while playing for the AM&N Golden Lions. We remained very close friends through the years. UAPB Homecoming will never be the same without him. He was our “Homecoming Coordinator”. My Friend Forever!!!
May God’s blessing be upon you at this time of service. We will miss the man with a big personality 11 hard for everyone.Rest in peace Duke, we will miss you, … Carlton & Vanessa Williams
We have Such sadness at the passing of Duke.Please know our thoughts and prayers are going out to his family at this sorrowful time.
David was one of my mother’s favorite students
If Doris Norman notices your character that says a lot. He will be missed by all that knew him.
To the Lyons and Medley family, you are in my prayers at this sad time in the loss of your loved one. May the memories you shared with Duke remain in your hearts forever. Continue to look to the Lord for strength.
Duke, Big Mike and just plain ole, Cuz…I will truly miss your calls on my Birthday and everyone else you would connect on the line with us on that day (HAHAHAHA) as well as any day you’d take the moment to give me a call to just laugh and reminisce. When I close my eyes, I can hear your voice…I will ;pray to always keep your memory alive within me forever! Sending much LOVE to our family,..May GOD keep us strong during this difficult time, Amen…
RIP, big duke. The big hand and little hand is still working round the clock.
Our prayers and love for all our family as we will treasure memories in our hearts until we meet again in glory, Nephew! May God, the Comforter of all Comfort shower you with HIS peace Kelton, Kamaira, Kavin, Kasyn, Linda, Darrell, and Donald; and all other family members and other loved ones and friends! Blessings!
Prayers goes out to my friend (Duke).
To the family we are praying for peace and comfort. God is able and willing. With love.
To our dear Brother in Christ you will be truly missed. You always knew when Duke was in the room. Our prayers for Kelton and the family of Duke. May God continue to comfort you in your time of loss.
Long time family and friend. You will
Be missed.
Uncle Duke you will truly be missed.
I will miss your amazing smile. Kelton looks just you so we all have a constant reminder of your presence. Rest In Peace Unc!!
Much love,
Shonya aka Shonkie
Big Duke, there was no need for a microphone with that booming voice that would shake a man to his core.. RIL Sir..
I was so sorry to hear the sad news I have lost a great and dear friend. Duke a very close friend of mine may sympathy to the family.
; Anita Hildreth Duckery
I was so sorry to hear the sad news I have lost a great and dear friend Duke was a very special friend of mine my sympathies to the family
Great lost my prayers are with the family during this time. Duke was very special to have touched so many lives his sprit will live on may he rest in peace.
Great lost my prayers are with the family during this time. Duke was very special to have touched so many lives his sprit will live on may he rest in peace.
Rest in heaven big cuz. I appreciate the love you showed me and the family, when we came to Little Rock to visit. Prayers to all the families, and especially the Lyons and Nelson family. Miss ya big Duke!
Rest in heaven big cuz. I appreciate the love you showed me and the family, when we came to Little Rock to visit. Prayers to all the families, and especially the Lyons and Jones family. Miss ya big Duke!
Rest in Peace.
Rest in Love Duke
Sign Guestbook