Vernal Lyles Obituary

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Vernal Francis Lyles, the seventh of twelve children, was born on December 23, 1936 (officially recorded on December 26, 1936) to the late Joseph McKinley Lyles and Alice Lee Lyles. He was preceded by four brothers, Thurman, Everett, Sinclair, and Arnold Lyles; five sisters, Helen Brockett, Mertie Johnson, Victoria McGruder, Letitia Wilson, and Joyce Lyles.
Vernal transitioned to his heavenly reward at the precious age of 88 on July 13, 2025.
He was baptized at an early age at West Bottom Baptist Church, Fluvanna, Virginia. He attended Fluvanna County Public Schools in Virginia and afterwards embarked on his career path in the United States Air Force. Vernal served in various positions and was stationed in several different locations, including Thailand, Vietnam, Alaska, San Antonio, Texas, and Plattsburgh, New York. After serving in the Air Force for 20 years, he retired as a Technical Sergeant.
After retirement, he worked for several years as a Lead Construction Foreman for Tyroc Asphalt & Construction Company in the District of Columbia, where he was responsible for overseeing the paving and maintenance of roads and highways within the Washington Metropolitan area. He also worked under a government contract for the United States National Arboretum. He was a member of the Masons - Warren Lodge No. 8 F. & A. M PHA, Washington, DC.
Vernal had a love for cars and always kept them in top-notch condition. He was also very passionate about classic/vintage cars and thoroughly enjoyed restoring them. That was his joy!
Eventually, Vernal decided it was time to move back to Virginia. He subsequently met Luella (Pynke) Gohaner, and they married. They had 40 beautiful years together, and during that time, they were blessed with a daughter, Sloane.
Vernal had to keep busy and decided it was time to return to work, so he began his own landscaping business, L & G Landscaping. Later, he began working for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Following his retirement from VDOT, he worked as a manager for Classy Car Wash Company before finally retiring.
Vernal's health began to fail in his advanced years, and his time was spent tending to his health. When the medical profession said his time was near, he was determined and defied his prognosis. On July 13th, Vernal answered God's call.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Pynke, daughter Sloane (Robert); one brother Roderick Lyles (Belinda); one sister Gwendolyn Perkins, two nieces raised as sisters, Gene Baker (Ronald) Rosaline Jones (Kevin) his Godson, Xavier (Carol) McGruder, one sister-in-law, Gloria Lyles and twobrother-in-laws, Russell McGruder and James R. Gohaner, Jr. of Mt. Holly, New Jersey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His wife's cousin, Camelia (Toni) Swift Farrar, visited faithfully and helped care for him.
During his illness, Vernal was blessed to have caring and committed doctors, nurses, and staff, including James E. Boyer, M.D. and his staff at Sentara Martha Jefferson Cancer Center who were extraordinary. His hospice team was excellent, and two caregivers, Gemma Mkama and Godfrey Ndonde, provided excellent care to the end.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22902. Rev. Dr. Alvin Edwards will officiate. Final arrangements entrusted to D. D. Watson Mortician, Inc., Fork Union, Virginia.
The interment with full military honors will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Culpeper National Cemetery Annex (New Section) is located at: 501 E. Chandler St. Culpeper, Virginia 22701
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