William Cain Lyon

William Cain Lyon of Fordyce passed away suddenly in his home on Saturday, February 10, at the age of 81. He was born on December 8, 1936 in Augusta, Arkansas to Gretchen Earl (Cain) Lyon and Odys Carl Lyon who were both school teachers. He was a long time mayor of Fordyce and a colorful businessman. He obtained a business degree at the University of Arkansas where he put himself through school by selling sandwiches at night in the dormitories and fraternities. While at the U of A, he was the president of Sigma Nu fraternity and president of his class. After college, he married Peggy Jane Ross and moved to Fordyce where he bought a local concrete plant. His early years in Fordyce included two children, Jack Lyon and Gayle Lyon Cosgrove. He started and owned numerous businesses including a folder plant, bank, western auto store, steak house, service station, feed store, brewery and even a snow cone truck. Mayor Lyon was a former member of the army, member of the First United Methodist Church and a lifelong passionate promoter and advocate for the town of Fordyce. In his later years he married Margaret Wylie of Fordyce who faithfully supported him until his death. Margaret's children, Angela Wylie Cathey (Tom) and Rex Wylie (Rhonda) and their children; Paisley and Hailey were also a special part of William's life. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.C. and Gretchen; brother, Jack; first wife, Peggy Ross Lyon; and daughter, Gayle Lyon Cosgrove. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Wylie Lyon; son, Dr. Jack Lyon (Lawana); grandchildren, Raleigh Cosgrove (Olivia), Peggy Carol Cosgrove, William Lyon (Anna), Dr. Julia Killingsworth (Nick), David Lyon; and one great granddaughter, Everlei Lyon. Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, 104 E 4th Street in Fordyce at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Memorial service will be held immediately after at 2 p.m. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. Sign the online guestbook at www.bentonfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dallas County Medical Center, 201 N. Clifton St., Fordyce, Ark., 71742 or to Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock, Ark., 72203.