John Russell Lyons (Russell), 96, WWII Navy veteran, went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2022, after a 13-year battle with Alzheimer's. He passed peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife of 74 years, Mary Jane Lyons, and his five children: Vicki Greer (Danny), John Lyons (Shari), Deborah McCullar (Joe), Janet Clement (Tommy), and Sonya Connell (Mark). A native of New Albany MS, he is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. At the time of his passing the Lyons Clan was 78 strong!! Russell is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his great granddaughter Gentry Paige Williams.

Russell was born Feb 7, 1926, in New Albany Mississippi, the youngest of 11 children born to Walter L. and Nannie Belle Cobb Lyons. He was the last Lyons survivor of his generation.  He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII aboard the U.S. Cossatot, an oil tanker, first in the Atlantic Theater near North Africa, then in the Pacific Theater, with the 5th Fleet Logistics Group, including operations at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Japan.

Russell retired after 35 plus years from Slumber Products/Sealy as a supervisor in the upholstery and mattress departments.

Memorials may be sent to Memphis Union Mission or The Salvation Army