Tributes have been paid to the late well-respected businessman William Lyons, who was known for his great sense of humour and fantastic community spirit.
William (73), late of Tattyknuckle Road, Fivemiletown, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 13 following a heart attack.
Talking fondly about his late brother William, Bob Lyons described him as a "character" who was "well-respected by everybody in the community".
"He was a great man for the community," said Bob, adding: "He went out to help people and make their lives better.
"He made a lot of friends and made a lot of changes in people's lives, which we're very proud of."
Born on June 7, 1949 in the townland of Lurgahamla, Co. Monaghan, William was the eldest of five children to William and Sarah Lyons.
He went to Kilkit Primary School for a few years, before the family moved north to Clogher, later settling in Fivemiletown, where he attended Fivemiletown High School.
William's first employment was in Cooneen knitwear factory where he saved up and bought his first car – a white Ford 100E.
This was his pride and joy, and he took great delight on its first outing to church on a Sunday morning.
It was halfway through Sunday dinner when he remembered he had walked home and left the car at the church.
He continued in the clothing trade and moved to Jan Pick factory, taking up the post of production manager.
On August 1, 1974, William married the love of his life, Geraldine, and they made their family home at Tattyknuckle Road, Fivemiletown.
Together they had two children – Stephen and Jacqueline – whom shared four grandchildren, who William adored.
"His love of family life meant everything to him, and he took great pride in his grandchildren," said Bob.
William and Geraldine set up their own business, firstly making school uniforms, and this progressed to manufacturing curtains.
William, being a perfectionist, established a reputation for the highest-quality workmanship, which serviced clients the length and breadth of the island of Ireland.
They became the ultimate husband and wife team, always together and full of fun.
"They had a thriving business up to the very end," noted Bob.
William made a big impact on many people’s lives across the community, both young and old. He was known as a storyteller, a comedian, and a jack of all trades.
Talking about his brother's great sense of humour, Bob fondly described him as being full of "devilment".
"When he worked in the Cooneen knitwear factory, he would have had the lassies in the factory looking for a kitten, because he could make a sound like a kitten.
“They would think this wee kitten was in the factory, and he'd have them all running about. He was that kind of fella," he laughed.
William had many hobbies and interests. He was a dedicated Clogher Valley RFC supporter where he enjoyed the good community spirit. He had walked to the match on Saturday past and home again, which he loved doing.
"He was also a very keen Man United supporter, which many of us were aware of, but [that's] enough said about that," said Bob with a laugh.
William had been a member of Murley Silver Band for more than 60 years, with the members becoming his second family.
He was a leading light in the band, and loved to see younger members joining, as this provided the perfect audience for playing tricks and telling jokes.
William earned the utmost respect and was honoured to be appointed the Band President.
"William has shown what may be described as the ultimate ‘bandmanship’ throughout 60 years as a player, leader and true friend of Murley.
“He has positively impacted many generations of players, and it is his ‘bandmanship and friendship’ which will be his lasting legacy," said a spokesperson for Murley Silver Band, paying tribute to William.
William and Geraldine did everything together – you would never see one without the other.
Members of Lakeland Cycle Club, line the route to pay their respects during the funeral of the late William Lyons.
They loved to be active and took up cycling, which resulted in them joining the Lakeland Cycle Club.
With his lightning speed, William was christened 'The Silver Bullet'.
"He was a great cyclist. Together, he and Geraldine ran the club," said Bob, acknowledging that club events will never be the same again, as William brought laughter and smiles to all who attended and always made visitors feel welcome.
The remains of William Lyons, carried by members of his family, as it leaves St. Johns, Church of Ireland Church, Fivemiletown, for burial in the adjoining graveyard.
Arranged by Marcus Madill, Funeral Director, William's funeral took place on Tuesday, August 16 at St. John's Parish Church, Fivemiletown, followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard.
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Fivemiletown on Tuesday afternoon to bid a fond farewell to the late much-loved community man.
Clogher Valley Rugby Club, pay their respects to the late William Lyons, during his funeral in Fivemiletown.
Guards of honour were formed along the road and outside St. John’s Parish Church, Fivemiletown by members of Clogher Valley Rugby Club and the Lakeland Cycle Club – a testament to how respected William was in the clubs he was involved with.
Murley Silver Band, of which William had been band President, played the music throughout the funeral service.
Hundreds line the street to pay their respects to the late William Lyons in Fivemiletown.
As William’s funeral cortège made its final journey, the hearse, which also carried memorabilia of William’s many interests including his instrument and Murley Silver Band uniform, his Clogher Valley Rugby Club jersey and his Lakeland Cycle Club kit, was accompanied by his beloved classic Mini, driven by a family member.
Williams Cornet and Murley Band Uniform.
A much-loved husband of Geraldine and a very dear father of Stephen (Erin) and Jacqueline (Adrian), William was also a very dear brother of Norman, Robert, Olive, and Alan.
A very special grandfather of Wayne, Kaitlin, Leah and William, William is very sadly missed by his whole family circle.
"William was one of life’s gentlemen, a great entertainer. He was always dreaming up the next joke, routine, or performance – many of which have been reminisced upon over the past few days," said his family.
Family and friends look on as the remains of the late William Lyons is carried into St.John's Parish Church, Fivemiletown.
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