Wayford Arwood Lyons, 65, of 98 Circle Trace, a husband, father, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2015, at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Alabama. He was a fighter to the end; by his side were his wife and son. His 66th birthday would have been April 21.

Born in Franklin, he was the son of the late Ernest Arwood and Vesta Arbutus Lyons. Wayford made the decision to join the U.S. Army in 1968 during the Vietnam War and served for three years, including one year spent in Korea. He received an honorable discharge. After the service, he was a certified pipe-welder and construction foreman and worked in Mobile, Alabama and Pascagoula, Mississippi. He returned to Franklin with his family, and for 15 years he co-owned and operated DPS, Inc., a local business. In 2000, at age 50 and with only a General Education Degree (GED), he went back to school and became a licensed general contractor in the state of North Carolina.

He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 43 years; son Jesse, daughter-in-law, Tracy, and soon-to-be first grandchild, of Lexington, Virginia.

As a proud veteran, Wayford was a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and member of the American Legion. Most recently, he served for three years as the VFW’s Quartermaster. He loved his family, spending time with and helping his friends, supporting veterans, gardening, traveling, and fishing.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at Franklin’s VFW Post 7339, 60 W. Palmer Street, on Friday, April 24 at 1 p.m. Military rites will be given by the VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108. All are invited and welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the VFW Post 7339 “Veterans Relief Fund”, C/O Neil Riendeau, 1155 North Skeenah Road, Franklin, NC 28734. His ashes shall be scattered according to his wishes.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com