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 throughout 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.
