Col. Sammie (Sam) Lee Lyles

Col. Sammie (Sam) Lee Lyles, age 80, passed away November 23, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.  

Sam was the son of the late Penny and Mildred Lyles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Bobbie Thomas.  

Col. Lyles is survived by his wife Wanda Lyles, son Scott Lyles, and daughter-in-law Katie Lyles. He also leaves behind two grandchildren Travis Lyles and Amanda Lyles.

Sam was born in Knoxville, TN on May 11, 1941. He graduated from Young High School and then attended Tennessee Tech University. After graduating he went into the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Sam had a long and distinguished 27-year career when he retired honorably as a Colonel. He had two tours in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star. One of his proudest moments in the military was when the unit he commanded received the Cutting Edge Award for excellence while assigned to the 193rd Infantry Brigade. After retiring from the military, he continued to find ways to serve. Once moving back to Knoxville, he became involved with AARP where he became the president of the Knoxville chapter, followed by serving on the State Executive Board in Nashville. 

He always loved the area in Scott County where his wife of 56 years grew up. In 2006 he moved to Scott County and quickly built relationships and became involved in the community. He wanted to serve his community in Scott County and was elected for three terms as a County Commissioner. 

A Memorial/Inurnment Service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., in the Black Creek Cross Roads Cemetery in Robbins, TN, with Bro. Wayne King officiating.  Full Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #136 of Oneida.  Following the service, a reception will be held at the Elgin Community Center.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, 2018 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916-2301, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Col. Sammie (Sam) Lee Lyles.

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