Curtis Wade Lyles' Obituary
Curtis Wade Lyles, 71, of Nashville, TN was called to his eternal, heavenly home on January 25, 2024.
Born in Memphis, TN to James William Lyles and Ruth Elaine (Charlesworth) Lyles, Curt was the baby of three boys.
Growing up the son of a Gospel singer, music and faith were in his DNA. Curt graduated in 1970 from Oakhaven High School in Memphis, TN. He was then accepted to Boston’s Berklee College of Music, one of his proudest accomplishments. He also attended Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.
In 1988, he married Melinda Lee Willard of Goodlettsville, TN and together they welcomed his biggest blessing, daughter Lucy Alyson Lyles, born in 1989, whom he raised with the loving help and support of many friends, family, and neighbors.
Curt was a courier by trade, but a musician at heart. He would always find a way to share his musical gifts and knowledge with anyone willing to listen and jot down lyrics and chords whenever they would come to his mind. He worked for Amy Grant and Gary Chapman in the 80s and 90s, and while music never became a career, it was certainly his passion.
Faith was an important part of Curt’s life. He grew up attending First Assembly of God Church of Memphis and later held membership at Belmont Church of Nashville, TN and Cornerstone Church of Madison, TN. All of his church homes played a key role in his strong devotion to the Lord, and he instilled that into his daughter’s life - his first priority.
Curt will be remembered by his loved ones for his quirky sense of humor, unique and positive outlook on life, outside-of-the-box intellect, quick wit, extraordinary musical gifts, and a life of devotion to his daughter, and strong faith in God.
Curt was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary Wayne Lyles. He is survived by daughter, Lucy Longworth (William) of Fairview, TN, granddaughters Brynlee (6), Jenna Ruth (2), brother Bill Lyles (Nyla) of Suwannee, GA, many nieces/nephews, cousins, and friends.
A graveside burial service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, TN on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. for family and close friends. Dr. Eddie Thompson of First Assembly of God of Memphis will officiate. Curt will be laid to rest next to his father.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to one of these Christian organizations, all of which were near and dear to Curt’s heart:
-Nashville Rescue Mission
-Nashville Christian School
-Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
-Christian Broadcasting Network
While we will miss him as we go on living, we have the peace that transcends all understanding knowing he is home and using his musical gifts to rejoice with the Lord! “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
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