Leodis "Johnny" Lyons

Leodis Lyons journey of life began on January 12, 1927, in the Richwood Community of Whelen Springs, Arkansas. He was the son of Andrew Lyons and Lula Bell Glover. He was raised by his grandparents, Dan and Dicy Glover who taught him to adhere to high morals, spiritual and educational values. He attended school for a short time and loved learning. He had to miss many days of school to work being supportive of his grandparents as much as he could along with his other cousins they helped to raise. He later earned his G.E.D. On June 26, 1945, he enlisted into the United States Army. During this time he met the beautiful Naomi Lee Nails and they were married on November 19, 1945. To this union 5 children were born. He worked for McKinney Lumber Company as an En-Matcher operator. He did all he thought and knew to provide for his wife and young family. On August 28, 1951, he enlisted into the United States Navy to embark on opportunities that weren’t commonly offered to African-Americans in the south. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Hartley at Newport, Rhode Island. Leodis was a stellar service man; his most significant duty assignment was the US Naval School, General Line in Monterey, California and became a trained Certified Chef. He earned the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. During this time he found a passion for quartet singing. His resounding and melodious voice landed him a place with a local group, where his voice caught the ear of the famous “Soul Stirrers” Quartet which led to him recording the gospel hit ”Lord I’m Coming Home” on one of their albums. He was honorably discharged from the armed forces and returned to Gurdon. He united with Bethel AME Church, and later was one of the Co-Founders of New Bethel Independent Church (New Bethel Church). His reputation for singing made way for him to be one of the founders of the popular quartet group “The Golden Bells” and he also sung with “The Martin Singers” and "The Joyful Four" of Bluff City being the current group he sang with . “Johnny” as he was fondly called admonished all to “pray up” and be strong; while being grateful for every chance to enrich his life. He studied his bible faithfully, continued to attend Sunday school and worship services regularly whrereas he served as Sunday school teacher, Sunday School Supt., and Head Steward until his most recent decline in health and passing. His pilgrimage was modest, but full and fulfilling. Being from the south, he was an outdoors man who loved fishing and hunting. He was swift and clever when it came to a game of dominoes or checkers, and loved to tell stories about his military days. “Johnny” was all for family and found no greater love than that of family. His first love and passion was singing and ministry. He knew that if he could help just one person, then his living would not be in vain. On Sunday, March 6, 2016 with his daughters at his side, he slipped the bonds of this life for a life in eternity. His independent spirit, iron will and strong character will never be duplicated, but leaves an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Naomi L. Lyons (1996); a son, Coy Lee Lyons and a daughter, Kathy R. Lyons; three brothers, Mitchell Hubbard, A.D. “Son” Lyons, Louis “T-Bow” Lyons. He leaves to continue and cherish his legacy, his children: Mable Gardner of Compton, CA, Belinda Gentry of Gurdon, AR and Paquitta Hatley (Melvin) of Gurdon, AR; 7 grandchildren Mannix Gardner, Tiffney Hughes, Tracy Gardner, Frazier Gentry, Kelsey and Kaitland Knox; an adopted grandson, and KaNeil Purifoy of Bluff City, AR; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Hazel Bryant of Cleveland, OH and Louise Lyons-Bass of Oakland ,CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives, friends, special friend James Cody Edwards of Gurdon, AR, and his beloved New Bethel Church Family. Public visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A service of celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries where Rev. Quintin Radford is the pastor and Pastor Jewel Danner the pastor of New Bethel Church will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery.