SMOAKS – Mr. Gene Ritter Lyons, 82, of Smoaks, entered into rest Friday afternoon, January 20, 2023, at the Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro. Born February 28, 1940, in Bamberg, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Otis and Reather Padgett Lyons. He served faithfully in the United States Army. He was the owner and operator of Gene’s Dry Wall Service and his legacy will live as long as the houses he rocked still stand. Named after his daddy’s favorite cowboys, Gene Autry and Tex Ritter, he was a fierce fisherman who was feared by Sheepshead. As a viticulturist, his grapevines were the envy of all the other growers. He was an avid gardener, he loved growing the best field peas and collards anybody could want. His camellias, azaleas, and century roses were his pride and joy. Surviving are: his wife, Mrs. Syble Adkins Lyons; two daughters, Gina Lyons of St. George and Kim Lyons of Orangeburg; special daughter from another father and caregiver extraordinaire, Hayley Annette Walker of Smoaks; a special son from another one, Billy Cain (Nicole) of Ruffin; ten grandchildren, Haven, Chandler, Will, Breland, Ben, Kristin, Bradley, Tara, Willow, and Dakota; and his brother, Lehman Lyons (Nell) of Walterboro; as well as bonus children Roger Walker (Misty) of Moncks Corner, Robbin Bise (Brian) of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Lora Hutto (Marty) of Orangeburg. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at noon on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the family residence in Smoaks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following: Buckhead Advent Christian Church, 5251 Buckhead Rd, Smoaks, SC 29481; or to, Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605. Arrangements by: The Brice W. Herndon And Sons Funeral Homes And Crematory, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Hwy, Walterboro, SC, 29488. Visit the guestbook online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.
