Dr. Henry J. Lyons, former leader of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., died at the age of 83 in Tampa. Lyons served in church leadership and experienced both legal challenges and a return to ministry during his life. The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. released a statement recognizing his contributions, saying, "We pause to reflect on the distinguished life and faithful service of Dr. Henry J. Lyons, whose leadership and dedication strengthened the witness of our Convention. His unwavering commitment to the church and community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude," according to WFLA.
During his tenure as president from 1994 to 1998, Lyons gained recognition among influential figures and congregants. However, he was later found guilty of misappropriating funds intended for the restoration of churches that had burned down, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. Lyons also faced public scrutiny following several personal controversies, including a 1997 incident in which his wife set fire to a home he shared with another woman, as reported by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Barstow for the former St. Petersburg Times.
Following his release from prison, Lyons returned to ministry, serving as a pastor at New Salem in Tampa. Those wishing to pay their respects can attend a public visitation and wake scheduled for November 5, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville, FL, according to his obituary published by Gainesville.
The funeral service will be held on November 6 at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville, with interment immediately afterward at Pine Grove Cemetery.
