Richard "Gary" Lytle

 Richard “Gary” Lytle, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Holly Springs on November 14, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, and proud Papa, Gary was known for his tenacious spirit, his generosity, and his determination to become a country farmer. He loved family gatherings and cheering on the Braves with unwavering loyalty. Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Gary was the son of the late Herman D. and Ola Buchanan Lytle. He graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1958, attended Clemson University, served in the U.S. Army and the South Carolina National Guard. He taught applied electricity at R.D. Anderson Vocational Center in Moore, where he influenced countless students through his practical wisdom. A longtime member of Inman First Baptist Church, he faithfully taught Sunday School for many years, approaching each lesson with care and conviction. Gary met and married the one he adored, Mary Layne Lyda, in 1990. Together they blended two families into one, establishing a warm and happy home. Along with his wife Mary, Gary is survived by his children: Sean Lytle (Lisa) of Spartanburg; Jed Blackwell (Bonnie) of Roebuck; Tilli McAllister (Mack) of Knoxville, TN; Layne Kirkland (Tré) of Greer; and Audrey Young (Jesse) of Smyrna, GA. His grandchildren cherished their Papa: Elisabeth Kingsley (Leo) of Spartanburg; Noah Lytleton (Miranda) of Inman; Katie and Lucy Lytle of Spartanburg; Rachil McAllister (Aidan Condry) and Zack McAllister of Knoxville, TN; Carter Kirkland (Annaka Schumars) of Greer; Anderson Kirkland (Belle) of Greenville; and Olivia, Lucas, and Evelyn Young of Smyrna, GA. Gary is also survived by a brother, Preston O. Lytle (Jacqui) of Rehoboth Beach, DE. He was preceded in death by a brother, William Duell Lytle, and a grandson, Richard Carl McAllister.

 Graveside services will be conducted by the family on Monday, November 17, 2025, 11:00 AM at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 251 Hannon Rd, Inman, SC 29349. The family is at the home and will receive friends at the graveside after the service. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s’s.

 The family offers special thanks to those who provided valuable help and comfort for Mary and extraordinary love and care for Gary during his long illness: faithful friends Tommy and Lucy Durham; beloved caregiver Lisa McDonald; Registered Nurse Sheila Miles; Registered Nurse Courtney Kirby; Sonya, CNA and all our kind friends at Family Hospice.