Richard Thomas Lyles

Richard Thomas Lyles, a beloved member of the Cleveland community, passed away September 27, 2025, at the age of 89. Born April 24, 1936, Richard lived in Cleveland for his whole life. He graduated from Bradley High in 1955. He served the City of Cleveland as the Superintendent of Public Works for 24 years until his retirement in 1998.

Richard was an active sportsman in his younger days, earning letters in football, basketball, and baseball from Bradley High School. He continued his love for sports, playing softball and basketball for many years. He was inducted into the Old Timers Club Hall of Fame in 1999.

Richard had a passion for collecting Indian artifacts, spending countless weekends at shows and becoming a familiar face among fellow enthusiasts. He cherished the many friends he made through his hobbies.

Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Anne Meagher Lyles, and his children: Richard Lyles (Carol) of Wake Forest, NC, Mark Lyles (Terrie), Pat Lyles, Margaret Lyles, and Janet Kibler of Cleveland, Louise Wise (Boonie) of Cohutta, GA, and Jennifer Myers (Chuck) of Austin, MN. He was a grandfather to Danielle Kean (Sean), Jonathan Wise (Haley), and Amanda Saylor (Jacob) of Cohutta, GA; Matthew Lyles, Sarah Lyles, Brendan Lyles of Raleigh, NC; Drew Lyles (Brooke) of Chattanooga, Bryce Lyles (Amber), Tanner Kibler, Reagan Kibler, Landen Kibler, and Jesse Lyles of Cleveland; Nicole Lyles of Nashville, TN; Odessa Duncan and Shaun Myers. Richard was also the proud great-grandfather to Tristan Lyles, Savanah Lyles, Wyatt Lyles, Archer Mauldin, Jaxon Saylor, Mallory Wise, Alexis Cook, Anthony Duncan, Kyle Duncan, Johnathon Duncan and Shyanne Anaya and the great-great grandfather of Liam Anderson. He also leaves behind his brothers Jerry and Jackie Lyles, sister Brenda Stepp, and several nephews and nieces. Richard will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Lyles and Mattie Ruth Merrill, his brother Chris Lyles and son David Lyles.

The family will receive visitors Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon at Companion Funeral Home; Ridge Chapel. A short grave side service will begin at 12:30 at Sunset Memorial Gardens on North Lee Highway.

The family wants to give special thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga for their care and kindness.