Charles Alvin Lytle
July 5, 1933 ~ January 12, 2004
Resided in:
Hendersonville, NC
Longtime Buncombe County educator, Charles A. Lytle, died Monday, January 12, 2004 in a local hospital.
He was a native of Buncombe County and the son of the late Charles J. and Irene Nesbitt Lytle. He served as a teacher and principal at Charles D. Owen High School and as principal of A.C. Reynolds Middle School for a total of 33 years. He was a graduate of Appalachian State and Western Carolina Universities. Following his retirement in 1993, he moved to Hendersonville with his wife Phyllis.
Mr. Lytle served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955 and was actively involved in a number of educational and civic organizations.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis Marie Lytle; a daughter, Madonna Nagel of Asheville and a granddaughter, Molly Nagel of Nashville, Tenn.; a sister, Evelyn Moore, and her husband James of Fairview; three brothers, Martin Lytle, and his wife Frieda, of Fairview, Arthur Lytle, and his wife Pat, of Asheville, Larry Lytle, and his wife Pandora, of Kernersville; 7 nieces and 7 nephews. He also is survived by his loyal K-9 companion, Katie.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Private interment will be in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Mr. Lytle’s family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles A. Lytle Scholarship Fund, c/o James G.K. McClure Educational Foundation, 11 Sugar Hollow Lane, Fairview, NC 28730.
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Mr. Lytle was a fair man. He knew every student by name. I always will remember him teelling us to go to class or announcing over the intercom ‘Folks if you don’t want listen I’ll send you home to mama
Keith Sherrill Class 1975
Our prayers are with you.
Mr.Lytle was always a favorite sight coming down the hall here at Owen High School. I met him when he returned as the interim principal. He spent a lot of time in the classrooms and halls the second time around and won favor of many with his easygoing way and hearty laugh. He came in one day when I was teaching the seniors handwashing. He always asked if we were doing ok so this day I said, ‘Well we are going to have to dry our hands on our pants since we are almost out of paper towels.’ He gave his big hearty laugh and went back down the hall. In a couple of minutes he returned with two bundles of paper towels. When I told him he didn’t have to do that, he said, ‘You need to keep working with these children. The least I could do was get the towels for you.’ Always thoughtful and kind . . .
Mr. Lytle was a wonderful administrator. I enjoyed working with him and his art and music teachers at A.C. Reynolds Middle School.
Charles was a true friend and would do anything for you, even cut your grass if you were sick. He was a great person.
Mr. Lytle was a great inspiration to me. I enjoyed working with him at Owen High and at AC Reynolds Middle. I will miss him.
Mr.Lytle was such a great neighbor to have. He was always so kind and caring. I remember always driving up to my house and him being outside waving he would always come say hello or come over when my dad and I were outside washing cars and to see if his car could be next. If any of us needed help he would be more than willing to come help us. He was such a caring person he even mowed my grandparents yard for a while. I remember one time Mr. Lytle, my dad and I went with him to an Owen football game, to cheer on his old school. His love and devotion to others will truly be missed; we will remember you always!!!
Phyllis, Mr. Lytle was so special to me and to Mike and our girls. I remember so many things he taught me. I always have considerd myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him at ACRMS. Please accept our sincere sympathy and love.
God Bless and Keep you
Julie Shannon
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mr.Lytle was a very caring person. I considerd myself very lucky to have enjoyed his time and learning experience while he was at ACRMS. He was a very dear man.He will be greatly missed! Our prayers are with your family!
Mr. Lytle was the greatest inspiration I had in my years at Owen High School. I do not have words to describe how he influenced my career. I continue to be a perfectionist in grammar because of things he taught me. When he stopped by the Administrative Offices for meetings, he loved to brag that he taught me everything I knew- and he did! I have always felt Mr. Lytle loved every student he had – we felt it through his compassion, discipline and teaching. The world has lost a wonderful man but his influence will continue for many years to come.The seeds he planted will continue to grow and flourish. I will pray for you during this difficult time of transition.
Joyce Hollifield Metcalf
Buncombe County Board of Education
MR. LYTLE WAS MY PRINCIPAL AND MENTOR THRU HIGH SCHOOL. HE SEEN SEVEN OF MY SIBLINGS AND TWO OF MY CHILDREN THRU SCHOOL. HE WAS A VERY UNDERSTANDING AND FAIR MAN. HE AND MY UNCLE CHARLES ‘BUCK’ DOTSON WORKED SIDE BY SIDE FOR MANY YEARS. HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AND MISSED. MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Mrs. Lytle, Reading the messages for your husband tells me he touched as many lives and had as profound an effect on people as you did on me. I think of you often and will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers,
Debbie Colagerakis-Nelon
Mrs. Lytle:
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Mr. Lytle made so a positive difference in so many lives. The two of you are truly great people. You were such a caring teacher and I owe you many thanks for helping to be who I am today. The world needs more of the two of you. Thanks to you both for touching so many lives.
Love,
Carolyn
My condolences to the family of Mr. Lytle. He was one of my teachers at Owen back in the 1960s. A very good man and teacher with a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mr. Lytle. He is responsible for my career at Owen High school and he educated my children at ACR middle school. He was my mentor and role model and I loved him as much as my Grandmother did. She (Daintry Allison)always said he was a great ‘school man’…. and that he was..many grieve with you. the Motts included…Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
Phyllis and Madonna, I will always remember how down to earth Alvin was. He always stopped to speak with me and Tommy when he saw us. We offer you our sincere sympathy. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Darlene and Tommy Young
I have very fond memories of my time teaching at Owen High School from 1969-1976, when Charles Lytle was principal there. In my years of teaching since then, I have come to realize the value of the experience I had working with him as administrator. He allowed and encouraged me to teach as creatively as I could, which contributed to my continued development as an educator through the succeeding years. I especially remember his sense of humor, his accessibility, and his concern for the kids. My condolences, prayers, and best wishes are sent to his family at this time of loss.
It seems like only yesterday when I started high school. The first face I saw was that of the principal, Charles Lytle. That was almost twenty years ago. He was a true friend back then… He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. I am sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Lytle was a true inspiration to me. I am the youngest of 4 children and he was the principal to all four of us kids. He will truely be missed by many. God bless you.
Phylis and girls;
The more I knew him, the better I loved and respected him. He was always beyond his years in wisdom. At ACRMS we all have a story to tell about how he encouraged us, embraced us, counseled us and we knew he always loved us. He never forgot a name. He really believed in putting the child first. He paid for more lunches than anyone I know. He was bigger than life to most of us. I loved him, and I will miss him.
Mimi, Madonna, and Molly,
We are praying with friends and family to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to help you smile again. We will never forget your family’s kindness as you shared your Christmas table with us. Although we are not there with you, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
He was my principal,and my friend,and will miss him always.Stephen Craig class of 1979!
Family, Please know that Mr. Charles Lytle was a dedicated educator, and an inspiration to us who had the privelige of being his kids..at Charles D. Owen High School. May God grant His Peace to you now Family.
Terry Brigman
Owen Class of 1968
I would have to say Charles Lytle was one of the most fair peopel I have ever known. When incidences came up where the truth was questioned, he made it his business to find the truth. We had many long and hearty talks and I still remember his words of wisdom and the compassion he spoke with some twenty years later. I don’t think he had a clue how many lives he REALLY had an impact on in a personal way. I hope reading these messages bring you comfort in your time of sorrow as you realize how many hearts grieve with you.
I have fond memories of the two of you when I was at Reynolds High School. I was very saddened to hear of Charles’ passing; Celine and I both pray to the good Lord that Charles is at peace and that you, Phyllis, have the faith to know that he is.
Trent and Celine Codd.
The world has felt a great loss with Principle Lytle’s passing. I loved the man and the world will be a lesser place without him. My best wishes to his family.
Our family was saddened to learn of Mr. Lytle’s passing. My father, June Glenn, Jr. worked with him on assignments for the Asheville Citizen-Times for many years and always appreciated his help and friendship. My sister and I were both fortunate to have Mr. Lytle as our teacher and later principal at Owen High. He taught us many of the values in life that we practice today. He was also principal to my three sons and fondly remembered by them. I personally enjoyed my ten years with the
Mr. Lytle: a wonderful educator and
man! Our family has many memories
of our association with him!
J.T. joanne,Joey,JaneAnn and Jim
STUART THOUGHT ALOT OF CHARLES, ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET HIM STUART ALWAYS SPOKE OF HIM WITH THE BEST REGAURDS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Lytle’s passing. However, I also have many fond memories. He was a tremendous inspiration to me when I was a student at Owen in the mid-1970’s. I worked closely with him on various Student Council projects and issues and had countless meetings with him. He always made himself available no matter how busy he was at the time. He often helped me to see school matters from a broader perspective without being critical. It was clear that he cared deeply about all of the students and wanted each of us to maximize our potential. He was a strong authority figure to the students, but at the same time was very approachable and friendly. My prayers are with you in his passing, but please be assured that he made a very positive difference in the lives of so many young people. I consider it a privilege to have been one of them.
My condolences to the family on the loss of a well respected man in the educational community.
Richard McPeeters
Class of 1981
I was so sorry and shocked to hear about Mr. Lytle’s passing. I worked for him at Owen for five years and grew so fond of him. He was a GREAT man and educator. He will be very missed by all of us. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
i knew charlie for many years and was a fellow member of the blue ridge optimist club with him. i’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about charlie in fact all i ever heard was good things. my father (carroll) and i offer our condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mr Lytle taught me a great deal while I was at Owen High School. He turned me in the right direction, instead of where I was heading. I am forever greatful for his support during my school years.
Thank-you,
Robin Allen Smith
Prayers and thought’s are with you in this trying time… God Bless and comfort you through this.. Garrison Family
Madonna – I worked for Mr. Lytle during the summer at Owen High School and also during my lunch breaks. He was a wonderful and fair boss and taught me tremendous administration skills that I still use today. I fondly remember his leadership during my high school years 74-78. He will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. Sincerely, Beverly Burgess Lewis
Charles Lytle was a principal who respected his students and in turn they wanted to make him proud. He made a tremendous impression on so many young lives. He was a country boy who loved with his whole heart and he belonged to a generation of educators like Ron Dalton and Jerry Plemmons who found such joy in working with children.Charles Lytle will always be remembered by my family…He inspired a 13 year old back in the 80’s to stick with his dreams and today that little boy is a prominent attorney….and I’m his proud Mother. Thank-you Charles Lytle.
Dear Mrs. Lytle and Family,
I remember Mr. Lytle with tremendous respect and warmth. He was directly responsible for doing untold amounts of good for many thousands of students over the years. He was, as well, a wonderful colleague with great intelligence, personal warmth, and sense of humor. We will miss him in our lives. I know my mother, Marjorie B. Miller, thought the world of both of you.
God bless you,
Pat
Not only was Mr. Lytle a wonderful mentor and principal, but he was a friend to all who knew him.
Charlie Lytle was the embodiment of all that is good in the field of public school education… as all the tributes indicate. We add our ‘amen’ to each one. He may be emulated but never replaced. Our love and prayers are with Phyllis, Madonna, Molly and the rest of his family and friends. What great memories you have to share! Love, Mr. & Mrs. ‘B’
our prayers are with you and your family.mr lytle was my princal at owen from 1974 to 1978.
Your family is in our prayers.
Every time I visited Uncle Chuck I felt I was in the presence of greatness. Even though I didn’t get to spend much time with him I thought of him a lot. Even now I think of things and smile. I can’t help but smile. The best memory was on one visit where my brother and I were hungry so he fixed us a sandwich as we visited. My brother finished his sandwich and Uncle Chuck said ‘?Arnn you want another sandwich?’? Being very full because we were young, Arnn replied, ‘no Uncle Chuck I am full.’? As Arnn was finishing saying that Uncle Chuck put another plate down and said, ‘oh here you go, I already fixed it.’? To be honest I don’t know why that memory has stayed with me for about 10-11 years but it has. My brother and I still laugh when we talk about Uncle Chuck and ‘The Sandwich’? not because of the joke but because of the love that surrounds Uncle Chuck. My wife never got to meet Uncle Chuck but she knew a lot about him and ‘The Sandwich’?. I tell her all the time that North Carolina is the greatest place to live and that I want to move there. Not because my favorite basketball team is there or to escape the dreaded Texas heat, but because of the best memories of life were with Uncle Chuck, in Ashville North Carolina. I love you Aunt Phyllis.
Madonna-my condolences to you, Molly and your mother. I have many fond memories from those years so long ago. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
With a gentle strength Mr. Lytle guided so many to find their fullest potential. His ever ready smile and robust laughter will always be in my memories. I went to Owen from ’64-’68 and the lives he touched will go from generation to generation. My deepest sympathy to the family and prayers for God to gently guide you through this trying time. Mr. Lytle’s memory will always be cherished by those lives he touched. God bless you.
He was my teacher and a good friend. We will all miss him. Class of 64′.
Charlie and I were friends for many years. He was a wonderful person and friend. He will be missed by all.
He was a wonderful man and a man with a heart as big as he was. His presence will be missed by many.
Skip Anderson
Class of 1978
Owen High School
Mr. Lytle helped start my career in the spring of 1969 when I did my student teaching at Owen HS. I will alwys remember the advice he gave me during that period. I regard him as a friend and an excellent educator. He will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mr. Lytle was a true friend, a caring person and a great teacher. He will be missed.
Mrs. Lytle,
I want to let you know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Lytle was a very special person to my family. He would go out of his way to talk to us and give us his undivided attention. He was a warm and caring individual that put his students first in the decisions that he made for AC Reynolds. His compassion for educating the youth was beyond words. He will be missed but the memories will always be there with us and those he touched. May God Bless You.
Tara Saunooke Alexander
Mr. Lytle was truly the spirit of our graduating class at Owen High School. He treated everyone fair and square. I last saw him at an OHS Football game in 1998, he even remembered my name after 22 years. I feel lucky to have known him. Mrs. Lytle and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Anderson
Spirit of ’76
Dear Mrs. Lytle and family,
I graduated from Owen In 1974. Principal Lytle was loved. Everyone had great respect for him. He was one of the most influential men in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Karen Williams
Mrs. Lytle,
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Lytle. He was a good friend. You, Madonna, Molly, and
Katie will be in our prayers.
Love always,
Steve & Jean Creasman
Bentley & Meagan
Madonna, thanks for sharing with me recently that Mr. Lytle was your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace be with you, Cynthia
The world is a better place for men like Mr. Lytle. He could be hard but always fair and had the ability to instill moral values in his day to day dealings with his students. In part due to his belief I went on to obtain my MBA when some thought I wasn’t college material. Mr. Lytle will be missed
My thoughts and prayers go to the family for their loss. Mr. Lytle touched my life in a way that only God and I know about. He will be sorely missed by those of us lucky enough to have known him. If more were to strive to have the attitude this man did in the education of our children, then society would be a better place for it.
class of ’81
Dear Lytle family members,
You have had a GREAT loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Lytle was a good man and he cared very much for his faculty and students. Mr. Lytle will truly be missed.
Owen High
1972 – 1976
Phyllis, Madonna, and Molly,
Thinking of you lovingly in this difficult time and praying for God’s strength in your life. I will always remember Charlie Lytle as being one of the great school men of Buncombe County. I am not sure but I kinda believe that God broke the mold when he made Charles, Ron Dalton, Tommy Koontz, Frank Lewis, Clark Pennell and Fred Martin. You can give these men much credit for the schools in Buncombe County today.They all had the interests of the students at heart when working with them. Even though Charles had been retired for several years his influence is still strong in the school system. He will be missed by many because he was such a true friend.
I know there will be times when life will seem overwhelming without Charles, but just remember that God in his goodness will give us no more than our strength can bear. Love in Christ,
Jake
MR.LYTLE WAS MY PRINCIPLE AT REYNOLDS 1987-89. I WAS ONE OF THOSE STUDENTS WHO HATED AUTHORITY AND HE WAS QUICK TO STRAIGHTEN ME UP! I AM THANKFUL FOR THOSE LESSON’S TODAY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
My condolences to the family of Mr. Lytle. Mr. Lytle was my principle at Owen High School from 1971-1975. He was always visible, fair, and usually always smiling- sometimes we would do things to remove his smile– but he usually did not lose it for long. His passing is a great loss to our education system and the community. Mr. Lytle will be missed and remembered for many years. Respectfully, Karen Sayers
When I first came ‘back home’ to work in Buncombe County as a school counselor, I did not know at first how fortunate I was to be placed at ACRMS with Mr. Lytle and the other wonderful staff members there, but very quickly figured it out! For nine years, I was able to learn and benefit from his leadership. I was always impressed with the gift he had for written communication…writing messages, announcements, and memos. I did not realize how rare it was in an administrator until I left!!! He loved to banter and joke, sing in the hallway, but was always an advocate for kids and for the counseling program. I have worked for many administrators since, but Mr. Lytle and his influence remain imprinted on my heart. He was not just a ‘boss’, he was one of the most encouraging persons I ever had the privilege to know. I will forever be touched with the memory of him visiting me in the hospital when I had my first child, and for attending my mother’s funeral after he and I left ACRMS. My last memory is his visit with my cubscouts and his discussion with them about the history of education and the importance of life-long learning. My deepest sympathy to Phyllis, Madonna, Molly and family. Know now that there is an angel with a deep laugh up singing country music up above.
Thinking of you. Gary Summey, Class of ’64.