Henry Blaine Lyter

Henry Blaine Lyter, age 80 of Oakwood, went to be with our Lord Jesus on Monday, February 8th, 2021 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2021, from 2:00 - 3 pm in the fellowship hall of Flat Creek Baptist Church, Flat Creek Road, Gainesville, Ga. This is completely optional, of course, however you feel comfortable. Also, speaking of comfort, Blaine was a very casual person and would not want you to feel as if you have to "dress up". Due to Covid-19, everyone attending the visitation and service please wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Reverend Zack Williams and Reverend Mike Taylor will officiate.

Blaine was born in October, 1940, in Arcadia, Florida, to Edna Lucille Lyter and Henry Blaine Lyter, Sr.  

Blaine had a love of flying that began when he was around 12 years of age. His Uncle Carrol was a flight instructor in WW2 and began to teach Blaine. His father, being an attorney/judge, wanted Blaine to follow in his footsteps. He entered the University of Florida (his beloved Gators) after high school with that intent, working part time in his father’s office learning various aspects of the legal system. However, into his second year Blaine learned that Eastern Airlines was hiring. He applied, was interviewed, tested, and hired, much to his father's disappointment. Blaine flew millions of miles over the course of his career working with Eastern for 25 plus years, Smith Kline Beecham, Reno Air and retiring with American Airlines. He said many times that one is fortunate to get paid for doing something that they absolutely loved and that was Blaine. He loved the speed and therefore he had a love of motorcycles, riding those Harley Davidson's as well as a Honda Trike, and Corvettes. Blaine was a dog lover, owning dogs all his life. He was an amateur photographer and took his camera everywhere looking for good shots. The beach, being a Florida boy, was his favorite place to be and he had his camera in hand. Looking out at the ocean he would say "how can anyone look out at this and question whether God exists?" Mexico Beach Florida held his heart as his favorite place on earth.

Blaine ardently read and studied the bible everyday. It was amazing his knowledge and recall of verses. He could tell you, in context with history, where things occurred in the bible. He loved to share his testimony and his faith with others. Joining the Christian Motorcycle Association gave him that opportunity where he served until he could no longer ride, loving every minute of it. All that knew Blaine would tell you that he had quick wit, a generous heart, was a good storyteller, an adventurous spirit, loved the Lord  and was honest with all answers. If you didn't really want to know what he thought, you better not ask. He will be sorely missed but we know that he is breathing easy because he has a new body. We also know that he is at the feet of Jesus, worshiping and praising Him and we will see him again. We will be together longer than we will be apart.

Thank you to all who prayed for us, sent cards, brought food, called, texted, and messaged us. We have been covered in your love and we felt it. It is what God provided for us through all of you.

Blaine was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Lucille Lyter, father Henry Blaine Lyter Sr, brother Billy Lyter and son Brian Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Lyter of Oakwood, his children Matt (Stacey) Mitchell of Perham, MN, Alec Mitchell, and Kim Hawk of Perham, MN. Step children Dina (Chris) Knight, Columbia, SC, BJ England, Charleston, SC, Breana (Blake) Cagle, Gainesville, Ga.; Brother John (Beverly) Lyter of Lake Placid, FL; Sister Karin Lyter Ehlers of Sarasota, FL, Stepmother Ann Lyter, of Sarasota, FL;  Grandchildren Laura (Richard) Heacock ,Aliso Viejo, CA, Mike (Emily) Neels, Casselton, ND, Amy (Brad) Schultz, Casselton, ND, Jennifer Mitchell, Anchorage, AK Jesse (Bethany) Mitchell, Perham, MN, Destiny (Daniel) Kraft, Perham, MN, , Maggie Jarrard, Peyton Jarrard, Bailey Knight, all of Columbia, SC, Sophia England, Charleston, SC, Mayzie and Sutton Cagle, Gainesville, Ga. Great grands, Ava Grace Heacock, Otto and Ivy Schultz, Eden and Easton Neels, Hayden, Emery and Sutton Mitchell as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.