Last Updated on December 3, 2024 5:04 pm
The longest serving Sheriff in Watauga County history passed away this week.
James Carlton “Red” Lyons, age 87, passed away Monday (December 2, 2024) at his home in Boone. Before becoming Sheriff, he was the Chief of Police in Boone and also the Watauga County Manager and the county Tax Supervisor for a time.
“Red” was first elected Sheriff in 1982, he would go on to serve for five consecutive terms, marking 20 years in the position. It is of note that current Sheriff Len Hagman will tie that mark when his current term is over in 2026.
Among the many employees who worked for Sheriff Lyons is a former Watauga County Sheriff himself. Mark Shook shared with WataugaOnline his thoughts. “Sheriff Lyons, to me, was an icon! I enjoyed my time working with him as a Deputy and a Detective. He taught me how to be an effective law enforcement officer and I will always cherish his leadership, and his dedication to the community! I will never forget the conversations that we had over the years! A true gentleman and professional!” Shook worked for Sheriff Lyons from 1996 to 2002 and was elected and served in the position from 2002 to 2006.
Todd Phillips also worked for Sheriff Lyons and shared with WataugaOnline.com, “I worked for him for about 8 1/2 years . What a true professional.”
Darrin Tolbert also shared his remembrance, “Sheriff Lyons first hired me in 1996. He was an excellent Sheriff and an even better person. He had such a commanding presence however he was a gentle, caring man. I pray for the family in this difficult time, but can you imagine that smile the moment he entered GLORY! Rest easy SHERIFF LYONS. Your work on this earth is done.”
Sheriff Lyons also served as Chaplin of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association and as a member of the NC Board of Corrections.
Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, December 5, at Hampton's Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 until 2:00PM and the funeral following at 2:00PM.
Obituary courtesy of Hampton Funeral Home
James C. “Red” Lyons, former Sheriff of Watauga County, passed away on December 2, 2024, at home. He was born on January 16, 1937, in Watauga County to Clarence M. and Lelia Moretz Lyons.
Red Lyons was a man of love. He loved his family, his church and most of all he loved his personal Savior, Jesus Christ. He looked forward to spending eternity in the presence of God. He took every opportunity to witness to others the plan of salvation and wanted everyone to know the full pardon of sin and to accept Christ.
Red was a member of Friendship Church where he served as the music director, as well as serving in many other offices of the church. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and used it to spread the love of God. He and his wife sang with the Red Lyons and the Combs Quartet for many years. In later years he formed the Lyons Family Quartet with his wife and two sons. They sang gospel music thru out the area.
Red worked with his father and brothers as a brick mason. At a young age he was elected as a Watauga County Commissioner. That began a lifelong career of public servant. He always took his job responsibilities seriously and always served his very best. He was the Chief of Police in Boone. He was also the Watauga County Manager and the county Tax Supervisor. He ran the county livestock market for a number of years. In 1982 he successfully ran and was elected as the Watauga County Sheriff where he served for five consecutive terms. He retired after serving twenty years. While serving as Sheriff he was the Chaplin of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association and served as a member of the NC Board of Corrections. After retirement he spent his time working on his farm and raising his black angus cattle. He also enjoyed playing golf and bowling.
Red is survived by his wife Peggy Hampton Lyons of the home. Two sons, Craig Lyons and wife Donna, and Scott Lyons, all of Boone. Surviving is one brother, Doyle Lyons of Radford, Virginia. He is survived by five grandchildren, Heather Lyons, TJ Proffit, Todd Lyons, Sarah Lyons and Holly Lyons. Four great-grandchildren, Caleb Martin, Thomas and Gracie Proffit and Jett Lyons. Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Lou and Rachel Lyons. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, Eugene, Charles, Ernest and Donald Lyons and one sister, Helen Lyons Norris.
Funeral services for James C. “Red” Lyons will be conducted on Thursday, December 5, at Hampton's Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 until 2:00PM and the funeral following at 2:00PM.
Officiating will be Rev. Ralph Johnson, Rev. Toby Oliver and Rev. Joey Byrd. Burial will follow at the Friendship Church Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Tammy and Emma of Medi-Home Hospice and the many others that assisted in the care of Mr. Lyons.
The family requests no food or flowers. Donations may be made to St. Jude's, Medi-Home Hospice or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
