April 12, 1927 – January 9, 2015 Charlie Carter Lyles was born in Savoy, Texas (Fannin County), April 12, 1927, the youngest of seven children reared by Arthur Clifton and Carrie Fay Lyles and went to be with his Savior on January 9, 2015, in Carrollton, Texas, at the age of 87. He was a graduate of Savoy High School, North Texas State University in Denton, and the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.He taught school for several years at Decatur, Hamlin, Snyder, and Springtown. He then served in Gospel Ministry for more than 50 years. He was the pastor of seven churches (all in Texas) including the Antioch Baptist Church near Leonard, First Baptist Church of Cookville, the FBC of Paradise, the Temple Baptist Church in Tyler, the FBC of Naples, the FBC of Decatur, and Bethel Baptist (Clardy). He was the Director of Missions for the Red River Baptist Association in Paris for 26 years until his retirement in 1997. In retirement, he continued to lead worship at the Corinthians Retirement Community (Carrollton).
Carter was preceded in death by his parents, his six siblings, his wife of 50 years, Doris Nell Lyles, his wife, Clara Lyles, and a grandson, Eric Lyles. He is survived by four children including Tom Lyles and his wife Louise, Ron Lyles and his wife Brenda, Elaine Dean and her husband John, and Paul Lyles. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren as well as many other family members.
A memorial service will be held at the Owens Funeral Home in Wolfe City, Texas, on Tuesday, January 13, at 11:00 AM with visitation preceding the service at 10:00. Dr. Ron Lyles of the South Main Baptist Church of Pasadena will officiate. Burial will follow at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his memory to Gideons International.