Roll Call Tribute

Thomas William Lyles, MD 

December 20, 1927 - February 6, 2024 

Dr. Thomas William Lyles, at the age of 96 went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 6, 2024.

Tom was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on December 20, 1927 to Sestos Pollan (Polly) and Thomas Waggomon Lyles. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth and attended Texas A&M University Class of 1949. He was a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets where he learned the value of discipline and brotherhood.

Tom earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University. After working in veterinary pharmacology and for the USDA Bureau of Animal Science, he felt called to attend medical school. Tom earned his Medical Degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1955.

In August of 1955, Tom married the love of his life, Adina Jean Huyck, in West Palm Beach, Florida. They were married for 65 years.

Tom completed his residency in dermatology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas in 1959. He and Jean moved to Tyler Texas where he had a 54-year career in a private dermatology practice until retiring at the age of 84.

Tom was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and his family and ministered to others through his medical work. He also loved Texas A&M and bled maroon in every way. He was active in the Texas A&M Alumni organization, past president of the Galveston A&M Club, past member of the Texas A&M President’s Advisory Committee and the 12th Man Advisory Committee. He was inducted into the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association Hall of Honor in 1997. He received the Spirt Award of the Tyler Smith County A&M Club in 2002. He also has two endowed scholarships at Texas A&M, one at the College of Medicine and the other at the 12th Man Foundation. He was the founder of the Friday Aggie Club in Tyler, Texas, now known as the “Ancient Aggies.”

Tom believed in the honor of hard work and had a heart for helping those in need. He was a godly father and example to his children. His kindness, selfless love, optimism and generosity was shown in his everyday life.

Tom, Dr. Lyles, Dad, Granddad and Great Granddad will live on in the memory and lives of those he profoundly impacted. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Polly and Thomas Lyles, his wife Jean Lyles and daughter in law, Lisa Lyles. He is survived by five children. His son, Thomas W. Lyles, Jr. “Tim” (Laura) and daughters Margaret DeHaven (Dr. Thomas), Marian Langston (Willie), Juli Beckman (Robert) and Jill Snodgrass(Ed), 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and many friends and family members.

We would like to thank Hospice Plus, Meadow Lake and all caregivers for their love and support of our Dad.

There will be a public viewing Friday, February 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Home.

A family graveside service will be held Saturday, February 17th at 11:30 am at Rosehill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to East Texas A&M Scholarship Fund, 1268 S. Donnybrook, Tyler, Texas 75701.