Franklin Delanor Roosevelt Lyons,Sr.

Franklin Delanor Roosevelt Lyons, Sr. Most Wonderful Past Grand Master, PH, 75, departed this life October 27, 2012. He was well known among the citizenry of the Commonwealth of Virginia and other states. He was born March 20, 1937 in Nash County, gueNorth Carolina and at a young age, moved with his family to Richmond, Virginia. He received his education in the Richmond Public Schools and was a graduate of Maggie L. Walker High School where he received many awards and letters in football. He was employed by Phillip Morris, Inc. In November 1959, and was one of the first black employees to enter the cigarette making department. He was also among the first group of blacks to be accepted as a Cigarette Making Machine. After 34 years of service at Phillip Morris, Franklin retired in 1933. Franklin was a member of Triumphant Baptist Church in Richmond where he was a past member of the Finance Committee and Trustee Board Ministry, serving as Chairman of this board from 1997 to 1999. He resided in Henrico County for 30 years where he served as President of the Montezuma Gardens/Oak Hill Civic Leagues. He was past Chairman of the Transportation and Safety Commission, member of the Recreation and Parks, member of the NAACP, and past member of the Richmond Urban League and Astoria Beneficial Club. He was a candidate for Fairfield District Supervisor in 1995. His Frateranal affiliations were: Past Master Edward Jones Lodge #324, where he held the office of Assistant Secretary, Past High Priest Haggi Chapter #18, Holy Royal Arch Masons, Mt. Olivet Commandery #2 Knights Templar, East End Chapter #79 Order of Eastern Star of VA, PHA, Mocha Temple #7 A.E.A.O.N.M.S, Inc. Past Potentate, Richmond Consistory #22, 33rd Degree Mason and Sir Knight of Knights of Pythagoras. His Grand Lodge affiliations were: Chairman M.W.P.H. Grand Lodge Convention 1986-1990, Past Chairman Club Virginia, Grand Lodge Ball Committee and Past Chairman, Assistant District Deputy Grand Master 1980-1986, District Deputy Grand Master 1986-1982 (awarded District Deputy Grand Master of the Year 1988-1999), elected Right Worshipful Jr. Grand Deacon in 1992, Chairman Masonic Foundation Board and Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master for the Jurisdiction of Virginia M.W.P.H. Grand Lodge, and Most Worshipful Grand Master 2002. He was instrumental in the Compact Signing of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Virginia and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, F. & A.M., Inc. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Raleigh Lyons; parents, Marion and Lillie Mae Phillips Lyons and brother, James E. Lyons. He leaves to cherish his loving memory two daughters, Francine Puryear and Francine Pryor (Wayne); two sons, Franklin D. R. Lyons, Jr. (Roxie), Timothy C. Lyons; five grandchildren, Pierra, Danielle, Gabrielle, LaKeeya and Yolanda. six great-grandchildren, Pherin, Chance, Tyjahne, Goddess, Majesty, and Destin; six sisters, Mary Gaddy, Martha McBride, Delores Hicks, Shirley Harris (Clifford), Barbara Johnson, and Bertha Johnson; two sister-in-laws, Elenora Farrington (Norman), Sontiere Ennadame (Abdula); four aunts, Gladys Granderson, Mary Holmes, Georgiana Lyons, and Ada Gray Phillips; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Franklin Delanor Roosevelt Lyons,Sr.

March 20, 1937 - October 27, 2012