David Phillip Lyons

David Phillip Lyons, age 85, passed away in the early morning hours of July 13 at Winter Haven Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Abram M. and Margarette M. Lyons, he moved with his family to Lakeland in 1939. He attended local schools and graduated from Lakeland High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1950 in the Submarine Service. He was proud to have been a crew member on board the Balao-class submarine USS Trumpetfish (SS425). Following his Navy service he went on to the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1954. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, a loyal Gator football supporter and a Bull Gator. In 1955 he and Constance Wise of Winter Haven were married in Beymer Memorial Methodist Church, where they remained loyal lifelong members. He held many positions of service there including Sunday School teacher, 20 year member of the handbell choir, Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee, and as Chair of both the Administrative Council and the Trustees. He and Connie lived in Winter Haven, where he served his city and community in many ways. He was Chairman of the Board of Adjustments, a member of the Planning Board, and a member of Kiwanis Club where he served as President. He was a volunteer for the Polk County Guardian ad Litem program. He was the founder of Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a family owned business headquartered in Lakeland, with business partner and long-time friend Carl J. Strang Jr. Although their partnership ended, their friendship remained. The company is recognized as a national leader in the logistics industry. He was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame in 2014. Florida Southern College awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Business at their December 2014 commencement exercise, where he was recognized as a "...visionary entrepreneur, honored corporate executive, and revered community leader." The University of Florida honored him with the inaugural Pinnacle Award in conjunction with the Gator 100, a program recognizing Gator-led businesses which have made a significant impact over time. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Florida Southern College. He was a Trustee of the Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise, Florida, for nine years. He was a also Trustee of the Florida Methodist Foundation, with offices in Lakeland. He passed along to his five beloved grandchildren wisdom, humor and a lifelong love of travel. Trips included salmon fishing in Alaska, the battlefield at Gettysburg, the Swiss Alps and the landing beaches in Normandy. His greatest joy was introducing the four oldest grandchildren to Italy, his favorite destination. He will be forever remembered for his eternal optimism. His boundless spirit of generosity benefited countless individuals and organizations. He continued working four days a week until June 1st, his last day in the office. He left early that day to entertain friends on a fishing trip at Little Gasparilla Island. His was truly a life well lived. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Charles R. Lyons. He is survived by his wife Constance Lyons, son Thomas D. Lyons (Deborah), daughter Jennifer Lyons Thornton (Scott), and his five grandchildren: Margaret D. Thornton, David H. Thornton, Christopher D. Lyons, Michael T. Lyons and Charlotte E. Lyons. In addition he is survived by nieces Leslie Lyons Martin and Leigh Ann Lyons, nephews Kenneth J. Lyons and David A. Lyons and sister-in-law Janice Lyons. Services will be held at Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church in Winter Haven on Saturday, July 18, at 10 AM. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church Trust Fund in Winter Haven or to The Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise, Florida. Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven is in charge of arrangements.