Charles Lyles

Charles Lyles was born on December 15, 1953, in Forest, Mississippi to Lonnie Charles Davis and Lilly Mae Lyles. He grew up in Forest, Mississippi, where he attended Forest High School. After he graduated high school, he attended Mississippi Valley University in Itta Bena, MS. There, he received his bachelor’s degree in biology and also became a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

In 1971, Charles joined the United States Air Force where he served his country for nine years and received the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

On August 25, 1984, he married the love of his life, Norma “Jeannie” Little, in Grandview, MO. They celebrated 41 ½ years of an inseparable marriage.

Charles dedicated 33 years to the pharmaceutical company Pfizer as a Pre-Mixer.

He gave his time to many organizations such as The Boy Scouts of America, where he was a den leader. He was also a member of the Free Masons and was a beloved deacon at Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ. He was the patriarch of the family and touched countless lives with his generosity and kindness.

Although Charles retired in 2012, he continued to work at various companies such as Heartland Center for Behavioral Change where he spent 6 years as an Intake Specialist.

In his spare time, he loved to fish, barbeque, work in his yard, work on cars and travel to see family.

Charles passed away at the age of 72, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at KC Hospice and Palliative Care in Kansas City, MO. He was preceded into death by his parents: Lonnie Davis and Lilly Lyles; his mother-in-law, Naomi Little; his brothers: Henry Lyles, Douglas Lyles, and Joe Davis; his sisters: Geneva Pace, Alice Ruth, and Lettie Sue Davis; and his niece LaTora Lyles.

He is survived by his wife, Norma “Jeannie” Lyles; his daughter, Michelle Harvey; his sons: Cedrick and Garett Lyles; his grandchildren: Amber, Ashley and Adrien-Aaron. He is also survived by his brothers: Billy Ray Lyles (Ann), James, Lonnie Charles, Ben and Michael Davis; his sisters: Glenda Eubanks (Terry), Fairy Curry, Linda Marylin, and Felicia Davis.

Charles also shared a special bond with his in-laws: Felton and Lois Avery, Robert and Aurelia Ray, Gary and Connie Adams, Charles and Shelia Hogue, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.