James "Frank" Lyon, Jr.

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php on line 271
Nov 8th, 2015

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

279

Death Date: Nov 8, 2015

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

285

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

302

Save: Print this Obituary

Biography: James ?Frank? Lyon, Jr., 74, of Little Rock passed away Sunday, November 8 at his home surrounded by family and friends. Frank was born in Little Rock in May of 1941, attended Little Rock?s Central High School and graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1959. He further attended Davidson College and The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, graduating with honors in 1963. Frank then served his country in the United States Army earning the Army Commendation Medal. He subsequently earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School in 1967. Frank was an icon in Arkansas business serving as chairman, president or director of many companies including The Frank Lyon Company, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Arkansas, TC Bankshares, Wingmead, Inc., Arkansas Irrigation Company and US Bank of Arkansas. Additionally Frank and Jane Lyon began Summer Wind Farm, a thoroughbred breeding business, in Georgetown Kentucky in 1995 which they have operated together ever since. His civic service included involvement in the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Boys Club, Lyon College, Goodwill Industries, Arkansas Children?s Hospital, United Way and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He was an avid outdoorsman and a veteran of dozens of African Safari hunts dating back as far as 1956. Known by his friends and family as ?The Stealth Philanthropist? he quietly supported countless charities across the state with extraordinary generosity and dedicated service. Frank is survived by his wife Jane, two daughters Karen Bailey (Mark Moloney) and Ashley Jackson (Wil) and four grandchildren Henry and Hannah Jackson and William and Ryan Moloney. Frank was preceded in death by his father Frank Lyon Sr. and mother Marion Bradley Lyon. A visitation is planned for family and friends on Wednesday, November 11 from 4-6pm at the Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock. Memorial service to be held at the Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock on Thursday, November 12 at 11:00 am. The family would like to express its most sincere and heartfelt appreciation for those who cared for Frank in his final time with us ? among them Dr. Jeanne Wei of UAMS, Arthur Castellano, Montague Martin, Jack Lanham and Ryan Leonard ? for their tireless care and compassion. In addition the family thanks honorary pall bearers Charles Whiteside, J.D. Simpson, John Witherspoon, Jack Davis, Tom Nash, Rick Shutt, Bill Hawkins, Tim Doepel and Darren Walker. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the Thomas-Lyon Longevity Center at UAMS, Arkansas Children?s Hospital, Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock or your favorite charity.

Condolences(23)

Al Basile

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Jane

It is with profound sadness that I just this day learned of the passing of Frank. I?ve thought of Frank and you often since meeting your family, on October 11th, 2004, at your wonderful Summer Wind Farm, and then sharing your company during a most enjoyable dinner at a steak house. Frank shall continue to live through my fond memories of him, and his family.

With my deepest loving regards

Al Basile

Delta, British Columbia, Canada - (604) 946-5066

Tom Bentley

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Frank and I were second cousins. My mom, Janalee Janet Parker Bentley was my mom. Frank Sr and Jan we first cousins and were close. Your husband, Frank Jr and I

Bill Bragg

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I offer my most sincere condolences to the Lyon family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Vanda baker

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My late husband, Richard and I spent happy racing times with Frank and Jane on visits to Kentucky and on their trips to England. Their hospitality was legendary and I shall always remember frank with affection.
My thoughts and prayers are with jane and the family.

Alan and Grace Bradley

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lyon family at this time. Cousin Frank was indeed an Icon in the Clan"

Beth Lowrey

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

While things will never be the same without Frank, his legacy in conservation, business and family will continue on through the family he loved so dearly. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Karen, Jane, Ashley and the rest of the family. May God Bless you and keep you in the days ahead.

George Askew

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

From the day Mr. Lyon bought five bars of World's Famous Chocolate from me on his front door step for a school fundraiser about 40 years ago he has been an inspiration from afar. I never even knew we shared a congregation at Second Presbyterian as I was growing up. He defined success in business and life. May his legacy live on. My condolences to the Lyon family.

Mark Schreiber

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Very sincere condolences to all of the Lyons family from all of us at Norwesta stables .

Reggie Capps

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Jane, Karen, Ashley
So sorry for your loss
Reggie Capps

Lyon Athletics

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Lyon. He will be truly missed and we will include the family in our daily prayers.

Allan E. Meadors

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

The last time I saw Frank Lyon, Jr. was right outside of the chapel at Lyon College. I was there because they wanted someone from my family because my uncle, John Edwards, had given the money for the commons that was severely damaged by fire. At my early days at Second Presbyterian Church, I had close contact with the Lyon family and appreciate all they have accomplished. May the Lord bless you. Sincerely, Allan

Steve Williams

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I had the pleasure of serving with Frank on the Lyon College Board of Trustees for several years, but before I even met Frank, he and his father and mother made my education at Lyon (then Arkansas College) possible through their incredible generosity to the College. Frank, Jane and the Lyon family have touched the lives of untold numbers of people through their philanthropy, and I am very thankful and grateful for Frank's life. My deepest sympathy to Jane and the family.

Mike Thompson

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Wil & Ashley - So sorry to hear about this. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy Whorley Winkle

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Frank was one of the " displaced" LR students who came to Arkadelphia to join us for our senior year of high school. I am so glad I got to spend that year with him. My condolences to the family.

Tina Mitchell

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Wil and Ashley,

Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

William and Tina Mitchell (ALLTEL)

Collie Shaw, MD

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Frank was the outdoorsman/hunter many of us will continue to strive to become. He was first and foremost a conservationist, trying to leave the sport better for future generations. He was indeed a fine man. The world is better off having had his presence in it. My son, Mason, who had an opportunity to dove hunt at Wingmead years ago summed it up best. "Sorry to hear of his passing, he was a really neat guy!!" Our sympathies and prayers go out to his wife, daughters, and friends during this difficult time.

Steve N. Wilson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

All Arkansans should thank Frank for his outstanding contributions to the natural resources of our state. He was a very conscientious conservationist and our fish and wildlife resources were well served by him.

Teresa Dawahare Lyon

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Frank was one of the finest men I have had the honor to know. He taught me the art and appreciation of hunting and how to call a duck. I will miss this special friend of mine who has forever changed my life. Jane, you are the salt of the earth and the world is truly a better place because of your presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement.

Rest in peace Frank, I will see you again, soon my friend.

Linda LaGrossa Howell and Jeanne LaGrossa

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Jane and Family,

Frank is now among his Heavenly family and no longer in pain or sick and mom and I are grateful for that. She was talking today about the early years when he was just a baby and how precious he was and a delight to be around. She was close to Uncle Frank and Aunt Marion and knew how excited they were when he was born. After their deaths he carried on the torch of compassion and helped others. They all rest in peace now and are probably having a joyous reunion.

Mike G Rutherford & Florence

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Frank was a Man's Man. He loved his family, his business and was a world class hunter. Frank always had such a funny and dry humor. Jane and Frank were wonderful hosts. I enjoyed many great shoots with Frank from Scotland to Texas, Kentucky and Arkansas. Frank pretended to not care about Jane's horses, but he was really very proud of Jane's horse activities. While taking Florence and myself to the airport after a great duck hunt Jane commented that "if something happened to Frank she would be known as the crazy animal lady". Frank replied, in his great dry humor, "well Jane you are all ready called the crazy animal lady". They were a great team! Florence and I will really miss Frank and extend our condolences to Jane, karen and the entire Lyon Family.

Suzanne Teddlie Gulley

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Jane, Karen, Ashley and families, please accept my condolences and prayers.

Becky Teddlie Hundley

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My love and fond memories go out to Karen, Ashley, Jane and family at this time. The world will miss Frank, and things will never be the same with his passing. His generosity and humility have been a model for so many of us. With all of my love- Becky

Sheryl & Phil Baumgardner

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Jane,Karen,Ashley & family. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Been thinking about you all day. God will be with you all and help you along this journey.

James "Frank" Lyon, Jr.

Leave your Condolence