Robert Louis "Lightning" Lyles, Jr., age 64, of Groveland, Florida passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at his home in Groveland. He was born in Orlando, Florida on December 15, 1954 to Robert Louis Lyles, Sr. and Iona Belle (Tucker) Lyles.

Robert was a prominent realtor in the Central Florida area for 28 years. Prior to his real estate career, he was a local fruit buyer. He married his wonderful wife, Patti in 1975. They had their only child, Bert in 1981. Together, the three of them enjoyed a beautiful family life. Robert was a meek, kind, gentle, and simple man who loved Jesus with his whole heart. His family always came first, and they never had to wonder if they were loved by him. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart and they lovingly called him "Big Daddy". He made sure to always have their favorite things for them and was known to be like a kid in a candy store when the "little kids" would come to stay the night with he and Grandma. Robert exemplified the biblical commands of love your enemies, feed the hungry and care for orphans and widows, and father the fatherless. We know that when his eyes closed here on Earth, he opened them in Heaven and the first words he heard were "Well done my good and faithful servant". Robert's favorite pastime was being outside in his garden. He had the greenest thumb of them all! He would harvest enough to share with his friends, never asking for a penny in return. He would give someone his last dollar and go without just to make sure they were taken care of. He will be deeply missed by us all.

Robert would want us to tell you that Jesus loves you and he would ask you to please accept Him as your Lord and Savior. He reminds us that we are not promised our next breath. He has planted many seeds in his lifetime and you just might be the one that has yet to be sown. He would love to see you again one day, so don't wait a second longer.

Robert is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patti Lyles of Groveland, Florida, his son Robert "Bert" Lyles, III (Erin), grandchildren; Reagan, Reese, Ryleigh and Tucker, sisters; Tonnetta "Toni" Bennett (Harry) of Jessup, Georgia and Janet Specht of Old Town, Florida, brother James "Jim" Lyles (Linda) also of Old Town, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Gateway Church in Clermont, Florida. A visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 11:00 am with funeral services beginning at 11:00 am, followed by interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 2:00 pm.