LaFAYETTE — A former member of the Chambers County Board of Education has been honored for exemplary service to the community by the Alabama Council of Black School Board Members.

The organization has approved a resolution recognizing the late Clifford Lyons for 12 years of service on the board, serving as its vice president and being a very active member of the Alabama Association of School Boards.

At the Feb. 21 Chambers County School Board meeting, Lyons’ family was presented a framed proclamation, having text, a photo of Mr. Lyons, and illustrations depicting his church service, officiating high school games and being a master chef.

Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hodge read the proclamation to a large gathering present for the school board meeting before presenting the framed resolution to the family.

The text of the resolution noted how Lyons had touched the lives of those around him in a positive and immeasurable way. “He had a heart and love for the children in Chambers County,” it reads. “His wisdom was called on many, many times during his tenure as a board member. He served with accomplishment.

“Clifford was not only loved by his family, he was a lover of his community,” the resolution notes, “He had an unwavering love for the Auburn Tigers. He was not only a sports fan, he was also an active participant. He was a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association from 1999 to 2013. He served a total of 32 years as an official. This includes being a referee for high school basketball games for 18 years, football for 11 years and a softball umpire for nine years.”

The resolution added that Lyons was something of a master chef.

“He had huge family cookouts to prove that point,” it reads. “As a very active resident of the Sardis community in western Chambers County, he helped prepare meals after church on most Sundays and everyone was welcome to stop by. He was a compassionate family man, a community advocate and was so loved.”

“Because of his dedication to the students of Chambers County, LaFayette, Valley and other surrounding communities,” the resolution adds, “his unwavering loyalty to his family, his community, his job and for making every day a pleasant day for students, co-workers, board members and friends with his big, welcoming smile, while always providing professional care and attention to each, from the pit of our hearts, we thank you, Clifford Lyons, for all the lives you touched.”

The resolution thanked Lyons “for being a wonderful husband, son, friend, co-worker, board member and a hand to hold whenever needed, a considerate voice of comfort to all, an ear for the child who was scared or broken.

“The Alabama Council of Black School Board Members salutes the lifelong efforts and contributions of our beloved board member, Clifford Lyons.”