Columbus Lyons, “affectionately known as Tailpipe, Pipe or Unk” was born on December 15, 1952 to the late Georgianna Lyons and the late William (Chat) Underhill. He departed this earthly life, early Friday morning, September 20, 2024 at 12:42 AM, after a lengthy illness at the age of 71.

Columbus was educated in the Edgecombe County Public School System. He was a 1971 graduate of Phillips High School in Battleboro, NC. A few years later, he moved to New York. At an early age, Pipe was introduced to the Christian Walk of Life. (That was a grandmother rule). Although he may have strayed away for awhile, he did find his way back to continue his life’s journey at Strait Gate Church of God in Christ, Kingston, NY. During his course of life, Columbus worked in many forms of employment. Whatever the job, he was very faithful with it, until his health prevented him from being that full time employee. He gracefully accepted it, and enjoyed the early retirement that was given to him.

Pipe was a die hard sports fan. He loved football, basketball and his favorite base/softball. Not only did he love the game of base/softball, he played it very well and very hard.

He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He also loved traveling.

In addition to his parents, Columbus was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Lyons; four brothers, Roy Chester Lyons, James Underhill, Larry Lyons and Jesse Underhill; two sisters, Alma Underhill and Carolyn Underhill and one grandson, Isaiah Lyons.

Left to cherish his memories, three daughters, Terry McClean of Camden, NJ, Sharess Lyons of Albany, NY and Jessica Thomas of Rochester, NY; a stepdaughter, Chandra Alves of Williston, SC; one son, Chris Lyons of Kingston, NY; eleven grandchildren, Monaye, Dominique, Dazha, Rowen, Jaiza, Syrhion, Sanyis, Ariana Kilian, Gordon and Israel; eight great grandchildren, Da’Mya, Ivyleese, Aubree, Anthony, Avery, Alyse, Alyvia and Genesis; four sisters, Evelyn Lyons of Brooklyn, NY, Carol Lyons and Barbara Lyons both of Rocky Mount, NC and Brenda Underhill of Graham, NC; four brothers, Demaryland Lyons of Tarboro, NC, Sherman Lyons (Patricia) of Rocky Mount, NC, Ron Lyons (Vanessa) of Tarboro, NC and Ricky Lyons (Lisa) of Kannapolis, NC; two sisters-in-love, Gloria Lyons of Summerville, SC and Angela Lyons of Tarboro, NC; two bonus brothers, Minister Jerome Bell (Brenda) of Pinetops, NC and Minister Michael Hale (Wanda) of Columbia, SC; a very special friend, Patricia Smith of Kingston, NY and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.