Chester Malcomb Lyles

    Chester Malcomb Lyles a lifelong resident of Semmes and Wilmer, AL graduated to heaven on January 29, 2025.  Born at Allentown Memorial on October 28,1941. He was the son of the late Braxton Maben Lyles and Velma Lyles (Simmons). 

    Survivors include his sister, Jeanette Lyles Byrd; nephew Braxton Randall Byrd (Rebecca); niece, Rachel Byrd Shaddix (Ronald); nephew, Marion Michael Byrd (Pamela Jean); great niece, Mary-Claire Marshall (Garrett); great niece, Jessica Lynn Bernal (Ryan); great-great nephews, Joseph and Braxton Marshall along with other family members.   

    Chester is preceded in death by his parents, Braxton Maben Lyles and Velma Lyles (Simmons); his, wife Vera Lee Lyles and his brother-in-law Raymond Marion Byrd.

    Chester lived a full life having worked at Bellingrath Home and Gardens as a night security guard traveling 32 miles one-way daily for over 25 years. Bellingrath always praised him as the best employee because they could always depend on him to be there no matter what.  His favorite part of the gardens was the Rose Garden with the hundreds of varieties of plants. He completed a two-year theological home study program by the Ambassador College Correspondence Course.

    Chester attended Semmes High School and Semmes First Baptist church.  

    He loved his cat “Louise” and lived with her for the past few years until his brief stay at Crowne Healthcare in Citronelle.  He will be remembered for his compassionate heart to all animals and children.  

    Services will be held Tuesday February 4, 2025, at Valhalla Memorial Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. followed by a chapel service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at Valhalla Memorial Gardens.