Dana Lyon Obituary

Dana Eugene Lyon, Sr.

September 5, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Dana Eugene Lyon, Sr., of Johnson City, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the age of 86, after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, Dana left this world as he lived it – deeply loved, deeply respected, and never forgotten.

Dana was born to the late Oscar Lee and Lucille Lyon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Leland, Gale and Ken; and his brothers-in-law Ted, Phil, and Millard Garland. Though we mourn their absence, we take comfort in knowing they welcomed him home.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife of 53 years, Georgia Garland Lyon, two children, Dana Lyon Jr. and wife Melinda, and Ginger Muncy and husband Brad; three brothers Steve Lyon and wife Jane, Bobby Lyon and wife Sheri, and William Jones, six grandchildren, Matthew Lyall and his companion Hope Salyer (and her daughter, "Little Harper"), Scotty Westley Lyall and wife Kelsey, Triston Mock, Gracie Bradley, Harper Bradley, and Aydyn Lyon who brought him immense pride and joy; three great-grandchildren, Hailey, Sunny, and Scotty Westley Lyall, Jr. who were his treasures; many nieces, nephews; four sisters-in-law, Ruth Garland, Judy Garland, Kathy Garland, and Donna Lyon; and beloved in-laws including Jess Garland and wife Marsha along with many dear friends.

Dana lived a life of hard work and dedication. He was co-owner of Mountain Air Compressor in Bristol with John Castle and Tom White. Although he was a successful businessman, his legacy goes far beyond business. He was a man who loved the simple and beautiful things in life: the outdoors, camping, gardening, his St. Louis Cardinals, and the joy of watching the birds outside his window.

He was also a coach, mentor, and friend. Dana gave back to his community by coaching cadet basketball and Happy Valley Elementary School and at the Boys Club in Johnson City, as well as baseball in the Pony Colt League. His players – and all who knew him – remember his honesty, his encouragement, and his deep sense of integrity.

Dana never met a stranger. From the very first handshake or smile, you knew exactly where you stood with him. He lived with authenticity and kindness, and those who spent time with him left better for it.

His family would like to thank the staff at Franklin Woods Hospital, Dr. Bessermeyer's office, and the many doctors and caregivers who supported Dana with such compassion.

A service to celebrate Dana's life will be conducted 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Hathaway Percy Funeral & Cremation Services with Reverend Leland Lyon officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM prior to the service on Thursday.

The graveside service and interment will follow the funeral at Roselawn Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Scotty Lyall, Matt Lyall, Triston Mock, T.J. Garland, Ross Garland, Roger Snodgrass, Bobby Norris, and Bradley Muncy. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Lyon, Bobby Lyon, Jess Garland, Fred Baker, John Castle, Tom White, John Trivett, Carl Williams, and Bernie Lyon.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 and Shriners Hospital, 950 W Faris Road, Greenville, SC, 29605.

Today we grieve because he will be deeply missed but we also rejoice in knowing that Dana is at peace, reunited with loved ones, and that one day, when our names are called, we will join him again in the presence of the Lord.

He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a brother, a coach, a friend – and above all, a man of love, faith, and character. May we carry his memory in our hearts and live our lives with the same warmth, honesty, and courage that he did.

Rest in peace, Dana. You are loved, and you will never be forgotten.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com. Hathaway-Percy Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Lyon family. Office phone: (423) 543-5544.