Lyle Peter Mallary

Lyle Peter Mallary, of Statesboro, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025.

Peter was born in Clinton, Iowa on May 8, 1936 to Eileen and Lyle Mallary. He was the oldest of seven children, and he grew up on the family farm. He loved farming and never lost his passion for tractors. He met the love of his life, Pauline, while he was a crop duster, and she was a flight instructor in South Haven, Michigan. He served his country in the Marine Corps, active and reserve, for six years. Peter and Pauline were married on June 15, 1966.

He was a pilot for Eastern Airlines from 1965 until 1989 when the company was grounded. This led to the demise of the proud old company. He was hired by American Eagle in 1989 and worked for them until his retirement on Labor Day of 1996. Peter bragged that he never put a scratch on a plane.

Peter was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Pauline, his parents; Eileen and Lyle Mallary; his brother John Mallary; his sister, Maggie Gaudet; and his son-in-law, Neil Russell. He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Mallary, his sisters; Brigid Lazaro, Martha Blong, his brothers; Paul Mallary, Mike Mallary, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Peter and Pauline lived in Atlanta from 1969-2009 and then settled in Statesboro. Peter was an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church where he attended daily Mass and led the rosary. He volunteered at Worn Threads, Silver Linings, Soup Kitchen and Relay for Life. He was presented the Dean Day Smith Service to Mankind Award in 2013.

Peter, known to his friends as Mr. Pete, was a humble, soft spoken, sweet and generous man. He loved chocolate and a good martini. He always said, "I can't complain, I have lived a good life". He was very mechanically inclined and was proud of the steam engine he built with his brother when he was a young man.

Honorary pallbearers are Pete's Angels: Paula Cunningham, Beth Kadlec and Carolyn Lota.

The funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Statesboro on Saturday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the parish hall. A rosary will be prayed at 12:30 p.m. prior to the funeral Mass. The funeral mass will be available via livestream on Facebook and Youtube.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 221 John Paul Avenue, Statesboro, Georgia, 30458.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com .

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.