Kevin B. Lyles, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8. Kevin was born on January 17th, 1960, at Richards-Gebaur AFB in Belton, MO. He took great pride in growing up as a military brat. After Missouri, Kevin and his family lived at Hamilton AFB in San Raphael, CA, Cambria Radar Station in Cambria, CA, and Duluth AFB in Duluth, MN, but a piece of his heart always remained in his last childhood home in Panama City, FL, where he played football and baseball as a teenager, made lifelong friends and graduated from his beloved Rutherford High School in 1978.
After his high school graduation, Kevin moved to Elmendorf AFB in Alaska to live with his best friend, John McDonald, and his family for approximately 4 months. Kevin returned to Panama City, FL, and briefly attended Gulf Coast Community College until his dad convinced (well, mildly forced) him to move to Langley Air Force Base, where his parents were recently stationed.
Kevin continued his education at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, where he earned his associate’s degree and then went on to Christopher Newport University (CNU) to receive a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 1985. CNU is where he met the love of his life, Lisa, whom he affectionately called Honey Lamb (or HL). Kevin and HL were married on February 8, 1992, and raised two wonderful sons, Travis and Trent, whom Kevin loved and adored.
Kevin’s professional background included positions as a banker and branch manager at NationsBank, more than 25 years as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo Advisors, and Vice President of Community Impact for United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. Recently, Kevin served as Community Education Coordinator for LifeNet Health, a global leader in regenerative medicine and life sciences. Kevin was deeply committed to LifeNet Health’s mission of “Saving Lives, Restoring Health and Giving Hope” and received LifeNet’s 2022-2023 Spirit Award, the company’s highest employee honor. Kevin also served as a designated Tour Champion, guiding guests through the LIfeNet Health headquarters’ IRM research facility. Because of his compassion for LifeNet’s cause, the family is extremely grateful that they could honor Kevin’s wish to be a donor to those in need.
In 1 Peter 4:10, the Apostle Peter instructed each believer to use their unique God-given gifts to serve one another. Kevin’s life totally exemplified this instruction. He was a long-time community servant, actively volunteering across the Peninsula since the 1980s with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Virginia Peninsula FoodBank, Deer Park Little League, and Newport News Rec League Basketball, where he coached his sons’ teams. Kevin was a Rotarian since 2008, serving as President for the third time for Warwick at City Center Rotary Club in Newport News and had earned recognition from Rotary District 7600 for leadership excellence during his terms. He also served two terms as Area Governor and was recently appointed as the Rotary District 7600 Community Services Chairperson for 2026-2029. In 2014, Kevin proposed a bold and playful concept centered around his favorite food, bacon. Consequently, “The Bacon Bash” was born, ultimately raising $260,000 to benefit charitable organizations across the region. He also initiated several beloved club traditions, including Change for Change and the President’s Pig–a program where each incoming club president received a personalized piggy bank decorated to reflect their life and character.
Kevin’s service to his alma mater, CNU, spans many years. He served on the CNU Alumni Society Board, was previously a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council to CNU’s president, and was recently honored with the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award. His love for CNU was further reflected in his attendance at football and basketball games, where he cheered on his beloved Captains each season.
Kevin was also a die-hard FSU fan, a passionate but (in his words) “average” golfer, a non-active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and held a 3rd degree black belt from Chikubu-kai, having been awarded the title of Sensei (or teacher) in Shito Ryu Karate Do, Kindia Ryu Kiujitsu, and Mugai Ryu laido.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, William & Mary Lyles, in-laws, Thomas & Peggy Reece, brothers-in-law, Gary (CNU ‘80) and Danny Reece, his favorite girl, Katie “Mac” McDonald, and his puppies, Mylo, Sissy, and Scruff (whom he affectionately called “Puppy”).
Survivors include his wife of over 33 years Lisa aka Honey Lamb (CNU ‘85), sons Travis Lyles of Arlington, VA & girlfriend Katy Wong of Atlanta, GA, Trent Lyles of Newport News, VA, brothers William Lyles III of Minneapolis, MN, James Lyles and wife Debbie of Coatesville, PA, brother from another mother John McDonald and wife Bonnie of Whispering Pines, NC, brother-in-law Brian Reece and his wife Linda of Hampton, VA, nieces Ashley Lyles, Emma McGee and husband Steve, nephew Matthew Calleros, great niece Jordan Merritt, great nephew Austen McGee, goddaughter Corenda R. Gaines, his cherished furbabies Lily Cat and granddog “Buster Brown”, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who loved him beyond measure.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 21 from 6:00-8:30 pm at the Virginia Living Museum (Kevin would love the irony!), 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601 and Kevin’s funeral service will be held Saturday, November 22 at 12:00 pm, Pope Chapel at Christopher Newport University, 91 Shoe Lane, Newport News, VA. Burial will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens. If possible, please dress in colors representing one of his alma maters for the funeral service: Rutherford High School (black & yellow/gold), or Christopher Newport University (blue & silver/grey).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center (P.O. Box 120472, Newport News, VA 23612) or the newly created Kevin Lyles ‘85 Memorial Fund (CNUEF, One Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606 or online at https://advancement.cnu.edu/portal/give).
Kevin’s Honey Lamb and his boys are grateful, humbled, and blessed to receive the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Matthew 25:23: Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master!
21 Comments
My heart goes out to you, Lisa, Travis and Trent. I am sure Kevin is resting in the arms of the Lord. There is only one place people like Kevin go, a one-way trip to the heavens above. His service to all brings him that great reward.
I will always treasure his way with words, his smile and laugh. Working with him those first few years at Merrill and ending with a lasting friendship. I can honestly say, he was my first real friend here in VA. Even after my leaving ML after the birth of my son, Kevin continued to reach out to share a joke or two, check-in with a friend, or just to say hi and stay in touch.
Kevin was never to too busy not to take a call or return it. His mantra being, MAKE THE CALL! Call your friend and check in! You never know what someone is going through until you do! I will miss our dear friend! True and last friends are hard to come by. May peace be with all of you!
So very saddened by the tragic loss of Kevin. He was a one in a million person and he will be missed so much. Lisa, Travis Trent, Bill and Jamie, my heart goes out to you all. You have been in my prayers.
The world lost a Great Man! I can’t think a better words to describe Kevin. He was a man who could make you think that you were his best friend. We all were his best friend. He was like a big brother to me. I’ll never forget him. Rest in peace Kevin you will be greatly missed.
My heartfelt condolences to my neighbor, and friend, Lisa Lyles, and her sons, Trent and Travis.
I had the pleasure to get to know Kevin, and see the kind of person he was. He was a kind, wonderful person who was easy to talk to, and someone that would lend a hand to anyone who needed help. His love and commitment to his family was evident. He will be deeply missed.
What a beautiful obituary for a wonderful man. Thank you all, and thank you Kevin.
A beautiful tribute to Kevin. I worked with him for several years at Nations Bank and enjoyed every minute. He was always so caring for everyone and kept you laughing. He will be missed. RIP my friend.
My deepest condolences to Lisa and the boys! Stay strong as he would want! Fly high coach Kev
Such a complete and fulfilling obituary of Kevin’s life and it speaks volumes. My heart goes out to the Lyles family where I know this has got to be the hardest pill to swallow ever. Rest assured I believe that Kevin lived his life as he chose to which reflected the best quality of an individual there ever was. We will miss his holiday antics and beautiful demeanor which will be hard to replace. Rest in love Kevin and know you will be sorrowfully missed.
I always knew Kevin as a kind and wonderful man but there was so much about him that I did not know. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to him. I know you and the boys were the light of his life. Bless you all.
I am so sorry for your loss, Lisa. I have very fond memories of you and Kevin at the Warwick baseball games except for the day I backed into your car. I hope you are doing well and again I am so sorry. I just accidentally stumbled across Kevin’s obituary.
Go MudCats ! ⚾️ I asst coached T ball with Coach Kevin at Deer Park little league and became friends for life. His smile will be missed at CNU basketball games.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and peace in God’s promise to swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. – Isaiah 25:8 Condolences
What a beautiful tribute to such a sweet and kind soul. Though words cannot begin to express my sympathies for Lisa, Travis, and Trent – my heart goes out to you (and all Kevin’s family), whom he cherished and loved dearly.
Kevin, you will be missed, always… love you my friend.
I met Kevin at Tyndall AFB way back in the 70s. A few years ago, he found me on Facebook and I was so glad he did! His almost daily inspirational posts were something I looked forward to everyday. His music choices were always top shelf! I wish we had been in touch way before we actually were, he sure was a treasure. I admired his bravery regarding his political posts-which I agreed with-he was open and respectful to differing opinions, but the man was armed with facts and was willing to debate! Takes a lot of courage to do that these days! Just from his posts, pictures and comments it is clear he was a true leader, great friend, father, husband, brother, a truly fun, compassionate and kind man. We had mentioned a few times that perhaps one day we could meet for lunch if either of us were visiting the area. I’m so sad that will never happen. I’m so very sorry that his time on this earth was cut short and that his family and friends will miss him so very much. Memories will keep him close and there must be some absolutely hysterical Kevin Lyles stories that will live on forever. My deepest condolences to you all for the loss of this beautiful and wonderful man. God Bless.
The world is a much better, brighter place because Kevin spread his intentional love and kindness over everyone he met, sprinkling it everywhere as though it were the brightest confetti. His impact was felt in both small and big ways. He saw people, validated them, and made everyone he came in contact with feel important. He was every person’s best friend.
Thank you, Lisa and family, for sharing him with the rest of us all these years. My heart pure aches for your loss of Kevin.
Hi, my name is Katrina, and I work in the Luter School of Business here at CNU, where Mr. Lyles earned his degree in Marketing. I didn’t know Mr. Lyles personally, but I met him not too long ago, surprisingly, at this year’s CNU football tailgate. He came to our tent and spoke with me and my coworker, and by the time our conversation ended, I was in awe of how much he loved his alma mater, CNU. He gave some words of wisdom and said, GO Captains!! I am saddened by his loss, yet I am also happy that I had the opportunity to meet such an influential man in my community. My heart goes out to his wife, sons, and the entire Lyles family. May God continue to look over and cover his family.
Lisa thanks for the wonderful tribute to Kevin. It made me smile (even laugh out loud) through the tears. It is with Love and Sadness the Shamblin Family send their condolences to you Lisa, Travis and Trent. ❤️Mumaw
We at Health & Awareness were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, Kevin Lyles. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this challenging time. Kevin was a remarkable person whose kindness and warmth touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
I hope you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and in the love and support of family and friends. If there is anything I can do to support you, please let me know.
With deepest sympathy,
I met Kevin at Tyndall Air Force Base way back in the 70s. A few years ago, he found me on Facebook! I wish that we had been in touch much earlier! I remember him being super funny and always so nice when we were young! I will definitely miss his almost daily posts on Facebook, his music choices were always top shelf, and he made even the simplest things very thought-provoking! I admired his bravery in putting political posts – all of which I agreed with – on Facebook and being open and respectful of everybody’s views, whether they were different or not. He always had facts to back his discussions up with! It was a brave thing to do, especially in this day and age! I’ve learned over the past few years of reconnecting with him that he was definitely an amazing, funny, kind, compassionate and inspirational man. I’ll bet there are hundreds of hysterical Kevin Lyles stories.An exemplary husband, father, brother, friend, coworker – he made everyone feel special. But he was really the special one. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his whole family, and just everybody with whom he ever interacted. He will definitely be missed.,
To the Lyles family:
My sincere and deepest condolences on the passing of your husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend Kevin B. Lyles.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Mr. Charles Major, Jr.
Lisa-
Our heartfelt sympathies on Kevin’s unexpected passing. Susan and I regret that we will be unable to return to Virginia for tomorrow’s service, but please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family. Kevin lived a wonderful life full of compassion, accomplishments, and loyalty. He will be greatly missed by many.