Bobby "Bob" Lyons of Memphis, TN, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
What you read below is one part of a life lived with quiet purpose.
Bobby spent his working life as ['Shell Oil'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A name is a small thing to hold a whole life.
Bobby "Bob" Lyons was born on May 8, 1941, in Port Arthur, Texas, as the second child of Harry and Thelma Alexander Lyons. He was educated in the Port Arthur school system and raised in a Christian household, maintaining a spiritual relationship with God throughout his life.
Bobby was credentialed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Mariner and dedicated many years to his profession. He retired in July 2014 from the U.S. Department of the Navy. Throughout his career, he worked for Shell Oil, Lykes Brothers, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Department of the Navy. His work allowed him to travel to every continent. Even in retirement, Bobby remained a lifelong learner, continuing to complete refresher trainings to maintain his credentials and Merchant Mariner's Passport.
Bobby enjoyed both domestic and international travel. He was an avid reader and loved watching Westerns. Music was also a passion of his, he appreciated a wide range of genres, especially oldies from the 1950s–70s, jazz, Creole zydeco, reggae, and traditional gospel music.
In April 2007, Bobby was ordained as a minister and served faithfully at Ever Increasing Faith Ministries. He believed strongly in taking action, often saying, "If you don't like something, do something about it." Living by this principle, Bobby and his wife, Eva, founded the Homeowners Association in their Memphis, Tennessee, neighborhood. In 2020, he answered that call once more by running as an Independent candidate for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, earning 2,192 votes among five candidates on the ballot.
Bobby was blessed with one daughter, Bobbilyn Lyons, from his union with Jacqueline Moore. He later met and married Eva Dayes on Christmas Day in 1995 in Charleston, South Carolina. Together, Bobby and Eva lived in South Carolina and Georgia before settling in Memphis, Tennessee, where he resided until March 2025. He then chose to return home to Texas to be closer to his daughter and granddaughter, Zoe Grace. During his final year, Bobby cherished spending quality time with them and enjoying his favorite Westerns. In July 2025, he took his last vacation, a memorable trip to the Bahamas with his girls.
Bobby departed this life peacefully on April 23, 2026, with his daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Sr. and Thelma Lyons, and his siblings Pinkie Lyons, Jimmie Lyons, Mary Elmore Williams, Charlie Lyons, and Harry Lyons, Jr.
His legacy and love will be remembered and carried on by his daughter, Bobbilyn Lyons, and granddaughter, Zoe Grace Lyons Lee. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
