Terrell Donnis Lyons

Brothers and Sisters, we gather here to celebrate the blessed and abundant life of Terrell Donnis Lyons, a man whose presence was as warm and comforting as the southern sun under which he was born. Terrell, a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, was called to his eternal rest on the 31st of May 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Born on the 5th of July, 1947, in the historic city of Mobile, Alabama, Terrell's journey began.
He was a beacon of light and strength, a true son of the South, whose roots ran as deep as the live oaks that line the streets of his hometown. His life was a testament to the enduring spirit of love, kindness, and faith that he carried with him through each chapter of his story. Terrell was a Vietnam War veteran, whose love for his country was as unwavering as his faith. He served with honor and distinction, and his patriotism was a thread woven throughout his life. Upon returning home, Terrell found his calling in the melodies and rhythms of music. As a successful musician, his talents brought joy and solace to many. The accomplishments of his musical career are too numerous to list, but each note he played was a reflection of the love he had for his art.
His life was a duet, harmonized perfectly with his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Lyons. Together, they composed a life of love and devotion, which they shared with their son, Terrell Alexander Lyons, known as Alex, and their daughter, Desiree (Lyons) Likes, who found her harmony with Kyle Kaifesh. Terrell's legacy continued through his brother, Johnny Lyons, and his sisters, Deborah Brigham and Nita Green, with her husband Curtis Green, all of whom shared in the chorus of his life.
The melody of Terrell's life was further enriched by his grandchildren, Allyson Goodman, who found her partner in Evan Goodman, Jacob Likes, and Jenna Likes, and by his great-grandchildren, Everly and Rhett Goodman. Each of them carried a piece of his song in their hearts. Although preceded in death by his parents, John Jay Lyons and Virginia Rivers Lyons, his sister-in-law Sandra Lyons, his sister Malva Riley, his uncle Donnis Atwell, and his beloved grandson Ethan Lyons, Terrell's music lives on through the countless nieces, nephews, brother and sister in laws that loved him dearly.
Terrell's passions extended beyond the stage and the sanctity of his country's service. He found peace and joy on the golf course, where the green fairways were his sanctuary, and on the water, where he could fish and reflect on the beauty of God's creation. These moments of tranquility were the verses in the song of his life, where he found solace and strength.
To know Terrell was to know the embodiment of love, kindness, and a faith-filled spirit. His life was a sermon of compassion, a living example of how to walk in grace and extend a helping hand to those in need. His laughter was a balm to weary souls, and his counsel was as steady and sure as the ground beneath our feet. As we bid farewell to Terrell Donnis Lyons, let us not dwell on the silence left in the wake of his departure. Instead, let us lift our voices in gratitude for the symphony of his life, a life that was a gift to us all.
Terrell's song may have ended on this earth, but in our hearts, his music plays on, an everlasting hymn of love and remembrance. May he rest in peace and joy in the arms of our Lord, and may we carry forward the melody he gifted us, until we meet him once more in that great choir above.
Amen.