Charles Collis Lyle, III

Charles Collis Lyle, III, age 77, of Madisonville, LA passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at St. Tammany Hospital in the arms of his wife Angela. Charles was born February 15, 1948, in Houston, TX, to the late Charles Collis Lyle, Jr and the late Mamie Rose Thrash Lyle. As the son of a U.S. Marine Colonel father, he spent his early life in various parts of the world and United States including Frankfort, Germany; Fort Meade, MD; Richmond, VA; Houston TX; Canton, NY; San Clemente, CA: and Bay St Louis, MS where he spent memorable summers with his grandparents.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his sister Sherrill Lyle. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Angela Douglas Lyle, and children Charles Collis (Megan) Lyle, IV of Ponchatoula, LA, and children Paxton, Callie and Wyatt Lyle; Douglas (Ashley) Arrington of Gulfport, MS and daughter Allison; Miranda Arrington of Sumrall, MS; Charles’ favorite Tito “Bandito,” Jeffrey Collin Arrington, of Madisonville, LA and Chelsey Johnston of Ponchatoula, LA and their “Bruiser Brothers” Elliot, Parker, and Matthew. He is also survived by one sister, Elizabeth Lyle of Madisonville, LA. Charles gained numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins when he married Angela, all of whom he was very proud of and loved very much.

Charles enjoyed a dedicated and rewarding educational career in curriculum & instruction, consultancy, policy development & governance and many years of administrative experience as Principal, Hancock North Central HS; Asst. Principal, Vicksburg HS; Principal, Vicksburg Middle School; Superintendent, West Jasper Consolidated School District; Superintendent, Columbia School District; and Superintendent, Long Beach School District. He was also actively involved with professional organizations including the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA), Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS), MS Department of Education, and the Southern Education Consortium. Charles earned his BA degree in history from St. Lawrence University and his M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees in Educational Administration from University of Southern Mississippi.

Charles was a lifelong Saints fan and even watched the first game at the Tulane Stadium. He was a gentle, fun-loving husband, dad and “Poppy,” remembered for his giving heart, funny laugh, and sense of humor. Best family past-time was “watching” Charles “watch” a Saints game, especially if they started losing!

Charles had a deep faith and love for God, family, his church, friends, and people less fortunate. He found great joy in leading Bible studies, mentoring and teaching young men how to pray in a way that would “light their spirits on fire!” Charles’ family is especially grateful for the love, prayers, visits, and support shown throughout his hospital stay of 48 days. Angela extends her deepest gratitude to her church family, New Beginnings Church, her family and friends for their unwavering love and care throughout Charles’ illness. Each one offered support in unique and meaningful ways, especially during the most difficult times of his care. Their presence, whether through caregiving, companionship, decision making, or simply walking alongside Angela and Charles brought immeasurable comfort and strength. The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the dedicated doctors, nurses, aides and entire staff at St Tammany Health Center whose compassion and care brought dignity and peace to Charles’ final chapter.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at New Beginnings Church located at 29 Park Place, Covington, Louisiana. Friends and family can begin celebrating Charles’ life with memories they hold dear during visitation that begins at 9:30am until the service which will be held at 11:00am. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Lighthouse Innkeeper’s Cottage, 133 Mabel Dr, Madisonville, La, where we will continue celebrating with food, rooms full of memories, tossing of roses and the grandkids’ wreath in the river. Charles had an unwavering faith in God, and his faith only grew stronger in his final years of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made through donations to New Beginnings Church.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…” 2 Timothy 4:7