J.R. Lyons drew his last breath on this earth on march 26, 2016. He was released from the cruel shackles of the many illnesses that had bound him for far too many years. We, his family and many friends are thankful that he is free, whole, and well at last. J.R. Lyons was born in Howard County, Arkansas on July 4, 1939 to Hortense Lecroix Sword Lyons, who was 17 years old and Lester Reed Lyons, 26. He was raised by his parents and his widowed grandmother, Sally Juanita Price Sword. He had many happy memories of his grandmother and her antics on the farm. J.R. Left home at 17 after graduation from Nashville High School and joined the Air Force with his parent’s written permission. He shared many stories with his family and friends of his military experiences that never failed to entertain his audience. When his father became ill, J.R. asked to be discharged from the military so he could assist in his care. Lester Reed Lyons died at age 54 in 1965 of brain cancer. His mother passed away in 1992. J.R. decided to continue with his education and moved to Texarkana where he sought work in computer science and was hired as a computer operator at the State First National Bank. He enrolled in the local college and enjoyed the classes and the interaction with the other students. One day while he was visiting with friends in the college library, he saw a girl that he recognized and said to her “say, aren’t you old Stevie Tollett’s sister? She looked at him and said “why, yes, I am!” What she saw were the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. They were married on August 5,1968 which fell on Cordelia’s birthday. J.R. said he figured he could kill 2 birds with one stone! Two sweet children came with the marriage, Cecelia Ann Rothwell, and Miriam Teresa Rothwell. In 1970 another baby came along , Gia Cordelia Lyons and then in 1972, Shannon Lia Lyons was born completing the family of 4 beautiful girls. He worked with F.E.M.A mobile emergency response support unit from 1989 until 2001. J.R. said that he had never intended to get married and planned to remain a batchelor. His plans were changed and he was amazed up until the day he died that he was blessed with such a wonderful, loving family of 4 daughters with kind and good sons-in-law, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He loved his family with his whole heart and never stopped bragging on them. He leaves behind to mourn his passing, his wife Cordelia, his children, Cecelia Rothwell, Miriam Teresa Clotio and Keith, Gia Cordelia Wright and Scott, Shannon Cormier and Mike; grandchildren, Heather Lane and John Mark, Tezi Dean, Katelyn Brewer and Robert, Kemper Wright, Chloe Rose Wright, Jackson Cormier, Alexa Cormier, Anneliese Cormier, Grant Cormier; great-grandchildren, Eli Lane, Sam Lane, Sierra Dean, Harlee Pannell, Wesley Rorrer, Khloie Simpson, Thomas Brewer; aunt, Virgia Werlein; and very special cousin, Freda Guillot, who was like a sister to him; along with many other very loved relatives and friends. Many years ago, J.R. made the decision to donate his body to Genesis, the medical education and research institute in Memphis, Tennessee. We honored his wishes and a memorial will be held in Nashville, Arkansas sometime in the summer.