Richard Donald "Don" Lyle Jr.

Don Lyle, of Winter Haven and Tallahassee Florida, passed away surrounded by family on August 2, 2025. Don was born to Richard Donald Lyle, Sr. and Alma Lyle of Union Point, GA. Don grew up in Union Point, Georgia and relocated with family to Hialeah, Florida in 1950. He attended Hialeah High School, graduating in 1956. Don served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps before entering the growing aviation industry in Miami, Florida. Don worked for National Airlines and Eastern Airlines, before breaking into the professional painting and decorating business. He worked with family members and other professionals to build several successful businesses in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Winter Haven, FL – Lyle Painting & Coating, Inc. and Lyle Painting & Decorating. Don served the industry by sharing his professional experience and industry standards as an active member of the National Painting, Decorating and Coatings Association (PDCA), eventually becoming President of the Florida State Chapter. In 1973, Don relocated his family to Broward County, where he became active in local government. Don served as Councilman and Vice-Mayor to the Town of Davie. His tenure was during periods of unprecedented growth in western Broward County, and he was actively representing citizens during the development of Interstate 595, the demise of Andy Town and other important local events. The Lyle Family has shared lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution, Maher Shalal Hashbaz Lyle. After his induction into the Son's of the American Revolution in 2011, Don served as Sergeant-At-Arms, and was active in events honoring veterans, active-duty military and the U.S. Constitution. In 2014, Don was awarded the SAR Bronze Roger Sherman Medal in recognition of his service to the Lake Wales and Lakeland FL chapters. Don is predeceased by his wife Wylene Jones Lyle, and survived by his brother William "Bill" Lyle and wife, Jayde, sister Linda Duncan; son Darren Lyle and husband Vincent Tamberelli, daughter Lisa Waters and husband Edward, daughter Jennifer Ohlsen and husband Micheal, first wife Marthal A. Lyle; stepdaughters Cheryl Pickels, Polly Pickels and husband Bob Lannon, and Patricia Castleberg. Don is also survived by 9 grandchildren Joshua Carter, Brittany Ballard, Harley Cardinal, Valerie Plummer and Rebecca Loftus, Chase and Blake Castleberg, and Kirstin Stork and Jacob Ohlsen, and 9 great-grandchildren. A family celebration of life is also planned for Saturday, December 13, 2025, Hawks Cay, FL. For more information contact lisalylewaters@gmail.com. Memorial donations can be made in his name to Big Bend Hospice, Tallahassee, FL. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).