George William Lytle

Services

Friday, May 2, 2025Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.Held atNelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro448 East Burton StreetMurfreesboro, Tennessee
Saturday, May 3, 2025Family Visitation: 10:00 A.M.Held atNelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro
Graveside Service: 11:00 A.M.Held atEvergreen CemeteryMurfreesboro, Tennessee

George Thomas William Lytle was born to Percy William Lytle and Mattie Leatha McLain-Howse in Murfreesboro, TN, where he earned the nickname "Slick." Raised by his grandfather, George D. McLain, and great uncle, MP McLain, he maintained a close relationship with and life lessons from his mother, whom he affectionately called "Sippy." He is predeceased by his father, mother, grandfather, great uncle, and brothers Douglas McLain Murray and Percy Lee Lytle. He is survived by his siblings Kenneth Murray, Gloria (Rik) Barbour, Cleo Lytle, Mary Lytle, Ella (Thompson) Matambo, and Alice Faye Lytle.

George was married to his loving and devoted wife, Constance Lytle, for 44 years. Their love story began during his tenure at Evanston Township High School in 1976, and their partnership flourished in life, joint hobbies, and business. He leaves behind his sons Erich Muhammad and Douglas McLain Lytle (Julia); and daughter Holly Denise Lytle.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, educator, and friend. He was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church in Evanston, Illinois, where he dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized on June 21, 2015.

Perhaps his most cherished role was being "Papa" to London, Brooklyn, Lennox, and Raphael Jr. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate their achievements or keep up with their interests.

A 1963 graduate of Holloway High School and 1967 graduate of Fisk University with a degree in Business Administration, George played linebacker for both schools. He joined Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity as "Dog #10" at Fisk. His career included driving for CTA, owning Chicago produce markets, and teaching Driver's Education at Evanston Township High School for 15 years.

His most prized achievement was co-founding and operating Turf Care Landscaping with Constance for over 40 years. Under George's leadership, the company made significant contributions to the Chicago area landscape, including:

Installing playground equipment, athletic fields, and annual snow removal for Evanston Public School District 65Planting tens of thousands of Chicago's prized trees throughout the city and its park districtCreating beautification projects for the city of Evanston and the city of Chicago and its Transit Authority and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.Developing environmental initiatives for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the US Navy Naval Station Great Lakes and Fort Sheridan

His entrepreneurial spirit extended to owning an ostrich farm with over 400 ostriches and a harness race horse named Star Squad. In 1999, George is a founding member of the William H. Butler Humanitarian Scholarship Fund to support "average" students, making higher education more accessible to students in his hometown. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 150 and enjoyed fishing, golfing, spiritied "smack talking" with friends and family, and breeding Rottweilers, including his award-winning best in show dog Brutus. His spontaneity, generous spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and unwavering devotion to family, especially his beloved grandchildren, leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.