Mr. Richard Lyles

Richard Lyles was the first child born to the late Lillie (nee: Sample) and Rufus Lyles on September 25, 1927, in Sandhill, Mississippi. Lillie and Rufus had three other sons: Hosea (LaHomia) of Tylertown, MS; the late Arthur (Mabel) and the late Joseph (Marilyn), both of Sandhill, MS. Richard attended elementary school in the area and graduated from Pigskee High School in 1944. Richard left Mississippi after high school and joined the United States Army when World War II was coming to an end. Richard served his country with honor and distinction. Upon his return to Mississippi, Richard began to pursue his college degree. Due to his humble beginnings, Richard started out as a part-time student at Alcorn University in Lorman, MS, and worked various jobs on campus. Richard eventually decided to major in Agriculture, having grown up on a farm and believing he could find suitable employment as an ''Ag Man:' Over the summers, Richard and many of his classmates came to Milwaukee to work in factories to help pay for college. Richard joined Phi Beta Sigma fraternity at Alcorn and was very proud of his membership in the same fraternity as A. Phillip Randolph and James Weldon Johnson. After the summer of 1951, when Richard returned to campus, he met Deola Purnell. Deola was a student at Jackson State College, but had obtained a degree at Alcorn and visited the campus often doing student teaching and because many of her siblings attended Alcorn. Richard and Deola dated for four years before they were married on December 25,1955 in Duckhill, MS. Richard graduated from Alcorn University in 1955. Richard and Deola set out on their life together initially with Deola teaching in Mississippi and Richard heading off to Champaign, IL to obtain a second degree at the University of Illinois. Once he completed his coursework, they headed to Milwaukee in 1956. When they arrived in Milwaukee, Richard found a job with the United States Postal Service, working as a third shift baggage handler. They initially lived with Jimmie and Leola Fields in a rooming house on the north side. Eventually the Lyles bought their first home on 12th Street and Burleigh. It was in this home where they would welcome their children Vincent in 1961 and Yolanda Lynita in 1962. The Lyles decided to build their own home and moved their family into a brand new house in 1964. Once the Lyles settled in Milwaukee, they joined Mount Zion Baptist Church pastored by Reverend Lovelace at the time who was followed by Reverend W J. Calvin and is currently led by Reverend Louis Sibley. Richard Lyles became a deacon at Mt. Zion many years ago. He also faithfully served the church as a Sunday School teacher for more than 40 years. In addition, Mr. Lyles assisted at church picnics, took various members to and from church on Sundays and even joined the male chorus for a brief time at the urging of his dear friend, the late Randolph Harris. Needless to say, he didn't last very long in the choir, but moved on to the church's bowling league where he truly found his sports calling. Richard and Deola bowled together for several years and then Richard continued bowling with various leagues up until a few years ago. Richard really enjoyed the sport and has several trophies in his showcase that reflect his love of the game. Richard left the post office and started working as a Milwaukee County Social Worker in the early 1970's. As a social worker, Richard helped thousands of people who relied on the social safety net of Milwaukee County. He often talked about the cases in which the adult or child with physical disabilities were particularly challenging and he went the extra mile to help them. Richard also worked as the "24- hour Case Worker" many weekends and would be responsible for placing runaway kids into child protective service facilities or foster homes. Richard often shared how difficult this type of work was, but he truly loved helping people. Richard retired from Milwaukee County in 1992. In the community, Richard held several titles. He was a Coast Guard Reservist for a few years, the Webelos Leader of the Scout Troop at Browning Elementary School and he coached in the school's softball league. Richard also obtained his real estate license working for Green Realty and United Realty for 25 years where he helped many families obtain their first home. Richard was also an income tax return preparer and his family and friends can remember seeing him sitting at the dining room table surrounded by countless stacks of paper between January and April every year. Again, Richard viewed his roles as a coach, real estate salesman, notary and tax preparer as opportunities for him to give back. The Lord blessed him with many talents and, in turn, he utilized his gifts to serve others. Richard and Deola were also proud grandparents. All of the grandchildren loved "Grandpa" because he was always so kind, supportive and attentive to their needs. Richard Lyles was born to eternal life on June 5, 2017 at age 89 while in hospice care. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife (Deola); children Vincent (Bethany) Lyles and Yolanda Lynita Lyles; one brother Hosea (LaHomia) Lyles; one sister-in-law Mabel (Arthur) Lyles; one nephew Alton Lyles; four granddaughters Megan and Alisha Lyles, Shelby and Miranda Lyles; one great granddaughter, Briona Morris- Lyles; and a host ofloving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Mr. Richard Lyles

September 25, 1937 - June 5, 2017