James David Lyda

James David Lyda, 84, of Taylorsville, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020 at his residence.

He was born March 23, 1936, in Rutherford County, to the late Vernon L. Lyda and Beatrice Calloway Lyda. David was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, in Taylorsville, and a United States Army Veteran. He served as an Associate Pastor at East First Street Baptist Church in Newton, and a Sunday School and Bible study teacher and a choir member at Bethlehem Baptist Church. David loved to read, fish, and create wood carvings.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Lyda and Donald Lyda; sister, Elizabeth Lyda; grandson, Wayne Bost; and brother-in-law, Clyde Bryant.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 36 years, DeRae Benfield Lyda of the home; son, James V. Lyda and wife Debby of Lincolnton; daughters, Patricia E. Lyda and husband Sam White of Maiden, Donna L. White of Newton, Sharon L. Turner and husband Jeff of Lincolnton, Cathy K. Shuffler and husband Joe of Valdese, and Belinda K. Beach and husband Mike of Bethlehem; sisters, Helen Bryant of Newton, and Crystal Pope and husband Billy of Conover; grandchildren, Dr. Laurie Lyda, Jamie Lyda and fiancée Suzie, Devin Lyda, Haley Lyda, Evan Bost III and wife April, Texie White, Kelli Shuffler, Justin Shuffler and wife Whitney, and Ashley Cazire and husband Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Evan Bost IV, Kurtis Bost, Lilliana Sigmon, Bennett Shuffler, and Brody Shuffler.

A service to celebrate David’s life will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Taylorsville. Rev. Jesse Lott and Rev. G.E. Freeman will officiate. Burial will follow at Fellowship Advent Christian Church Cemetery in Taylorsville. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 2, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Bethlehem Baptist Church. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to: Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7500 NC Hwy. 127, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Condolences may be sent to the Lyda Family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com.

The Lyda Family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton.