Harry Floyd Lyles

Harry Floyd Lyles of Florence, SC peacefully passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of 86. Harry was a devoted, generous, and treasured husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on September 30, 1938, Harry was a proud resident of Florence, SC, and was known for his many contributions to both his family and his community. He was the beloved owner of Schofield Ace Hardware in Florence, SC, where he became a well-known community member and a trusted friend to many.

Harry was a long-time and devoted member of Florence Baptist Temple, where he faithfully served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. It was a passion of his to share the knowledge and love of his Savior, Jesus Christ. His commitment to spreading the Gospel extended well beyond the church, as he dedicated over 30 years to Gideons International, traveling to more than 60 countries across the South Pacific, Asia, Europe, and the former USSR. As an international representative, Harry played a key role in founding numerous Gideon camps in Eastern Bloc countries after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

In addition to his work with Gideons, Harry was a founding board member of Leadership Ministries Worldwide, an organization that equips pastors and leaders around the globe with Gospel-centered resources. Through this ministry, over 14 million volumes of resources have been distributed to further the mission of Christ.

Harry was married to the love of his life, Olivia Gail Lyles, for 64 years. Together, they built a life overflowing with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their love could often be found displayed on their kitchen countertop – a glass flower vase filled with a dozen red roses; a gesture Harry made regularly to remind Gail of his love for her.

Their love for travel for both missions and leisure was one of the many joys they shared, visiting around 80 countries together. Each journey was an adventure they embraced, creating cherished memories not only for themselves, but also passing their love for exploration and discovery on to their children and grandchildren. For Harry and Gail, travel was not merely about exploring new destinations—it was an opportunity to experience life together, marvel at the diversity of God’s creation, grow even closer with each adventure, and to share the love of Christ.

Above all, Harry cherished his family. He loved being “Papa” to his grandkids and great grandkids. He had a special way of making every moment memorable; his grandchildren will remember him for his pancake-flipping skills, unique road trip tunes, back-of-the-head-humming, and turning the silliest item in the room into a hat. His love, and presence in their lives will be cherished forever– along with his knack for punctuality.

In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his sister, Jill Lyles Prince.

Surviving are his loving wife, Olivia Gail Lyles, his sons Harry (Hank) Floyd Lyles, Jr. and his wife Cathy Stephens Lyles; Ronald (Ron) Gregory Lyles and his wife Stephanie Deaver Lyles. He also leaves behind his four grandchildren Hannah Lyles Page (Michael), Harrison Luke Lyles (Jessie), Olivia Grace Lyles, Amelia Claire Lyles and five great grandchildren. Harry was the younger brother of Jack Beverly Lyles. The family would also like to acknowledge special friends Mary Henicks, Darlene Briggs, Ronnie Ashley, Daisy Eaddy, and Connie Johnson.

A funeral service to celebrate Harry’s life will be held on Monday, April 28th at 11:00 am at Florence Baptist Temple, with Pastor Bill Monroe officiating. Visitation will begin at 10am and a brief graveside service will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Leadership Ministries Worldwide (LMW.com/give) or Gideons International in Harry’s memory.

Although Harry is no longer with us, his deeply rooted faith and the legacy of love and service he left behind will continue to inspire and guide us for generations. His spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his example of steadfast devotion to God will forever shape our lives.