Main Menu

City Links

About Lyons

Lyons, Georgia is the seat of Toombs County, situated in the heart of Southeast Georgia, and is within 100 miles of Augusta, Macon and Savannah.

The award-winning community was chosen in 1998 as one of only 10 cities in the state of Georgia to be selected for the Better Hometown program, a Georgia Main Street program for cities with a population under 5000. Main Street™ is a community-based development initiative utilizing the nationally recognized 4-Point Approach™ for downtown revitalization. In 2014, Lyons Better Hometown changed their name to Lyons Main Street to better reflect the National Main Street program brand.

Read more on the Lyons Main Street Program here.

Location and Travel

Lyons is just 15 miles from Interstate 16, which connects with both I-75 and I-95, allowing travel to and from Atlanta, Macon, Savannah and Jacksonville easily. Lyons is also minutes from the Vidalia Regional Airport, which boasts a 6,000-foot lighted runway, a 5,000-foot secondary runway and a full instrument landing system.

Events and Recreation

As a Georgia Main Street city, Lyons has the will and the means to bring the best to its attractions. While you’re here, head over to Broad Street where you can browse the unique shops downtown. There’s a pleasing array of antiques, gifts, floral arrangements, decorative items, books, glassware, jewelry, stained glass, wind chimes, children’s clothing, Mexican pottery, furniture — well, let’s just say that if you can’t find that perfect souvenir on Broad Street, you’re just not looking. See the revolving art exhibit at Elements Bistro & Grill – local artists display their work monthly in this renovated downtown building that was once the site of the Windsor Hotel.

Fresh organic produce is a seasonal treat in Lyons; visit Berry Farms’ Saturday Market in the Historic Elberta Hotel. Lyons is a lively and colorful affair that’s fun to visit even if you just want to look around — but you’ll want to buy, and don’t forget your onions or those sweet Georgia peaches!

Annual activities and festivals in Toombs County begin in April with Tales from the Altamaha, an award winning Georgia folk-life play written and produced by local artists and accompanied by a local bluegrass band. Visit the Vidalia Onion Festival, usually held during the 4th weekend in April. Bring the family for a day of living history…rediscover the world of traditional farming – mules, draft horses, and antique equipment as they plow “the hill” at Doodle Hill Farm south of Lyons. Attractions include primitive cooking, historic demonstrations, antique cars and farm equipment, buggy rides, and music.

In May, 40-60 regional entrants along with family and friends gather for the Soap Box Derby in Lyons on Derby Hill to compete in 2 divisions of derby races, Stock and Super Stock, for trophies, medallions, T-shirts and the grand prize, a trip to Akron, Ohio, for the national finals.

Come back in October for The Real Squeal: Lyons Barbeque & Music Festival, a 2-day Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event where amateur and professional teams compete for over $16,500 in prizes. Winter WonderLyons is our annual Christmas event that includes our merchants’ Christmas Open House, children’s activities, a free outdoor showing of a Christmas movie, lighting of the downtown Christmas tree and our lighted Christmas parade on the first Friday and Saturday in December.

Apply for
Employment
Forms and
Applications
Agenda and Minutes
Public Notices
Youth Employment
Program
Online Payments
©2023 Lyons, GA.
My name is John E. Moore, Jr. and I am honored to serve as a Lyons City Councilman representing Ward
4. I have lived in Lyons, Georgia my entire life and I am married to Mary Dawn Powell Moore. Together,
we have three children - Mattie, Maura, and Rayna - and a grandson named Cohen. I am a member of
the Lyons First United Methodist Church.
I have been working in law enforcement for over 25 years. I began my career in 1995 with the Lyons
Police Department and in 2001, I joined the Georgia Department of Corrections. I am currently an
Inspector with the Office of Professional Standards. I hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from
Thomas University and a master's degree in public safety administration from Columbus State
University.
In the past, I have served as a regional representative on the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating
Council Violence Against Women Committee. I am also a proud supporter of the Toombs County High
School Booster Club, where I previously served as Vice-President and President.
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports, and participating in
community activities.
My name is Tracy Johnson, and I am the Councilman for Lyons, Georgia in Ward One. I have served in this position for a combined 12 years, under two different Mayors. I have also served as the Georgia Municipal Association District President and on the Georgia Municipal Association Executive Board. To keep up with the constant changes and growth in our city and surrounding areas throughout Georgia, I have completed many hours of ongoing education through the Georgia Municipal Association.

Although I was born in Morristown, New Jersey, my parents moved to Lyons when I was an infant, and I have been a resident of Lyons, Georgia for 62 years. My grandmother owned a café in downtown Lyons for many years, and I can still remember people stopping in for lunchtime breaks after hearing the whistle blow from the shirt factory up the street. In 1980, I graduated from Lyons Senior High and later received a college education from Savannah State University. I had the opportunity to work as an officer on the Georgia Department of Corrections and the States Tactical Squad for Special Operations.

I am involved with many civic, fraternal, and religious activities in the community. I am currently the President of the NAACP Toombs County Branch, a Deacon at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and a member of the local Lions Lyons Civic Group. I am also a 35-year-old member of Mt. Temah 151 Lodge and the President of the Toombs Montgomery Savannah State University Alumni Association. For 30-40 years, I have volunteered my time and talents to various community organizations, including singing in the local men's choir, sitting on a past Lyons Better Hometown board, and serving for 12 years on a Family Intervention mentorship program to redirect their path.

I am fortunate to have been married to my lovely wife, Kecia Johnson, since 2004, and we have a beautiful, blended family. My goal is to make Lyons, Georgia, a better place to live by bringing back the commitment, trust, and dependability that citizens should expect from their councilmen. I want to help all citizens, regardless of age, gender, creed, or color, attain opportunities to become more successful, productive, and self-sustaining. I aim to identify and tear down barriers that prevent growth and improvement in community and family lives
Chief Wesley Walker is the Chief of Police in the city of Lyons, GA. Chief Walker has served in this capacity for the past 12 years and was recognized in 2020 as being the 18th safest city in the State.

Walker’s career in law enforcement began after graduating in 1987 from Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

For the past 36 years, he has served in many diverse capacities of law enforcement for the State of Georgia, Sheriff’s Offices, and Police Departments.

Chief Walker is a State Law Enforcement Certification Manager and was responsible for getting the first Sheriff’s Office south of Atlanta certified through the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program.

Walker was part of the Multi-Agency Command Center and assisted with coordinating security during the 2004 G8 Summit in Sea Island, GA., and was assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Walker is also a certified Digital Voice Stress Analysis Examiner, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, and Internal Affairs Investigator among other certifications.

Wesley has served his community by serving on the control board for the Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Family Connection Board, and Family Intervention Board, and is a member of the Lyons Lions Club.

Walker has been a member of the GACP for the past 12 years was elected to the executive board of the GACP in 2015 and served as President from 2019-2020.

He is the father of two young men, Spencer Walker, and Stetson Walker. Spencer graduated from Valdosta State University with his bachelor’s degree in business administration and now lives in Atlanta Stetson graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Criminal Justice and now works with the Tennessee Department of Corrections as a Probation Officer.
Drayton Oliver was born in Lyons, GA, and has lived within four miles of his birthplace his entire life. Oliver grew up and worked on his family’s farm; he graduated from Lyons Senior High School in 1973. He attended Brewton Parker College and Georgia Southern University before pursuing farming in his mid-20s. He then worked as a Supervisor of Shipping at Oxford Industries, Lyons, GA, from 1982 to 1995. From 1995 to 1997, he worked with the State of Georgia as a Manager of Surplus and Supply in Swainsboro, GA. Oliver then settled into his career at Tumi Luggage Inc., Vidalia, GA, spending 20 years working his way up from Shipping Manager to Director of Distribution; he retired in 2017.

Drayton Oliver is serving on the Lyons City Council having been sworn in January 2024. Before this, he served on a previous city council in Lyons, GA, for a term of four years. Oliver became a Master Mason in 2017 and belongs to Lyons Lodge #49. In the past, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Lyons Recreation Department and the Lyons Zoning Committee. During his earlier years, he was an active member of the Lyons Jaycees serving in many roles including president.

He has been happily married since 1992 to Lisa Morris Oliver, a retired educator teaching 31 years in the area. They have a daughter, Dr. Darby Oliver, who is a veterinarian in Dunwoody, GA. Lyons City Councilman Drayton Oliver is a Baptist and firmly believes in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

“I want to be a liaison between residents, city employees, and the city council. I will work to help Lyons grow and prosper while concentrating on city beautification projects.” – Councilman Drayton Oliver
I was elected to the Lyons City Council in November 2021, and I started my service in January 2022. I have been employed with Peoples Bank since August 2012 and hold the positions of Chief Operations Officer, Compliance Officer, and Vice-President. I have worked in banking since 1997.

I was born and raised in Toombs County, and I graduated from Toombs County High School in 1992. I earned an associate degree in accounting from Southeastern Technical College, Vidalia, GA.

I have been married to Russell Benton for over 20 years, and we have four children and six grandchildren. Russell and I have been business owners in the city of Lyons, Georgia, since 2004, and we are proud owners of Magic City Barbers.

I have been actively involved in the community for over 20 years, serving on the Action Pact Board since 2013, and the Lyons Main Street Board since 2021. I have been a member of the Lyons Lion Club since 2023.

I attend local community and Chamber social events, such as Lyons Morning Perks, business grand openings, and many other events in the community. I volunteer my help with the Juneteenth events each year.

I graduated from Leadership Toombs/Montgomery Program and I am actively attending further training during my term for City Council to learn more and to better serve our community.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, shopping, traveling, and sporting events such as Toombs County sports and professional sports, such as the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Braves.

I love serving our community and being able to represent our community’s thoughts and concerns.
Ivy Toole was born to William Ivy and Sue Toole of Lyons, and he has 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He graduated from Lyons Senior High School as class Vice President. He was actively involved in football, track, tennis, baseball, and many school clubs. Following graduation, he worked at a nuclear power plant in Augusta, Georgia, where he became a certified pipe fitter and welder. Ivy worked at the plant until 1990 when he started working with McLendon Enterprises Inc., He is still currently employed with McLendon Enterprises as a Superintendent. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Inman Creek No. 491and a member of the Quint Shiners in Lyons.

Ivy is happily married to Stacy Randall-Toole. They have 6 children together, Ryan Toole, Roxy Bacon, Nicole Page, Casey Woods, Kayla Osting, and Brody Randall. They also have 9 grandchildren together, Dawson Brantley, Kam and Blayce Bacon, Lawton and Maddox Toole, Tristin and Weston Page, and Gracie and Emma Woods.

Ivy was elected to the Lyons City Council in 2000 and currently still serves Ward 3 today. Ivy also currently serves as Mayor pro tem.

His main objectives are to improve the living conditions in Lyons and to create a more active family community. His primary passion is with the Lyons Recreation Department. He developed a strong attachment to the City of Lyons Rec Department due to the significant amount of time he spent working there during high school and watching all his children and grandchildren play sports there. Additionally, Ivy is committed to revitalizing the downtown area of Lyons, Georgia.
Chris Failla became a member of our team in June 2022 as a City of Lyons - Code Compliance Officer.

He and his wife relocated from Sebastian, FL to Alston, GA. Chris spent his entire career with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, serving in various capacities, including the Correction Division, Road Patrol, Transportation Unit, Judicial Services, and the Legal Process Division. During his tenure, he obtained a vast amount of training and certifications, including an A.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, FL.

Chris recently obtained a level one certification through GACE - Georgia Association of Code Enforcement - through the Carl Vinson Institute and the University of Georgia, as he moves in a new direction. The City Council recently gave a proclamation to Chris for his hard work and dedication to Keeping Lyons Clean.

Chris enjoys sports activities, traveling, and spending time with his kids.
James began his career at the Lyons Recreation Department right after graduating from Georgia Southern College in August 1987. He worked there until March 1995, after which he started working as a substitute teacher (both short and long-term) with the Toombs County School system. In 1995, he became the recreation director at the Glennville Georgia Recreation Department, where he worked for 11 years. In September 2006, he returned to Lyons and has remained there ever since. James has a total of 29 years of experience with the city of Lyons, Georgia, serving as the Director of the Lyons Rec Department.

James has received several awards throughout his career. In 2019, he was named Professional of the Year for GRPA District 1, of which the Lyons Rec Department is a member. Additionally, he was awarded a Leadership Award in 2009 and 2011. Under his guidance, the Lyons Recreation Department was named Agency of the Year in both 2018 and 2021.

In his free time, James enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, Logan and Lindsay, as well as their granddaughter, Emersyn Ruby. He is also a member of the Lyons Lions Club and has a few hobbies like playing golf, watching sports, and traveling.
Lynn Rowland started working with the City of Lyons in July 2000 as an Accounts Payable clerk. In 2003, she was promoted to the position of City Clerk, which she still holds today. As City Clerk, Lynn manages the daily operations at City Hall and has a skilled team working with her.

Throughout her career as City Clerk, Lynn has completed continuing education programs with GMA and the University of Georgia, including Municipal Clerk Certification, Masters Education Management Development Program, Local Government Finance Officer Program Level-1, and Municipal Revenue Administration Certification Program. During her career, Lynn has had the pleasure of working with two wonderful Mayors, Mayor John E. Moore and the current Mayor, Willis D. NeSmith Jr.

Lynn grew up in Lyons and raised her two sons here. Her oldest son is an engineer, married with a son and they now live in North Georgia. Lynn loves spending time with them. Unfortunately, Lynn's youngest son passed away unexpectedly in 2018, but he still lives on in her heart.
Daphne Walker is a resident of Cobb town and has lived there for 30 years. She grew up in Jenkins County and has two older brothers and one younger brother. Currently, she works a lot and spends her time off with her two daughters, aged 30 and 32, and her granddaughter, who is two and a half years old and lives three hours away in Bogart. She also has a golden doodle named Ziggy. Daphne has been serving the community as the Director of Lyons Main Street since 2015. Her responsibilities include helping downtown businesses, working with the facade grant program, collaborative marketing (Shop hop), and organizing events and community areas like the 304 Society Garden. Daphne also manages Tales of the Altamaha and Scare on the Square and is actively involved in the Soapbox Derby. Before working for Lyons Main Street, she volunteered and was also an influential member of Kiwanis. Daphne's major accomplishments include establishing the Southeast Georgia Soapbox Derby as the official Southeast Georgia Derby, the construction of the Soapbox Derby building at Partin Park, the revitalization of the Lyons Main Street building, and the development of the 304 Community Park. Her officemate, Kathy Sharpe, and the volunteers have been her biggest mentors. Daphne's goal is to promote more city functions surrounding specific businesses, such as art shows, live music, and "First Friday" business exhibitions, to enhance the downtown and Main Street areas.
Jason Hall is a native of Lafayette GA. He was raised by a Southern Baptist pastor’s home. This upbringing has helped shape his value system. His father and mother were both bi-vocational in the ministry and spent much of their time in a voluntary capacity. Jason Married his wife Melissa in 1995. Jason has worked in education, sales, and construction throughout his career. He has also served as a student pastor for several churches both in North and South Georgia. In 2003 he took a code enforcement position with Ringgold, Ga. During his tenure in Ringgold, he was mentored by the City Manager. It was here he began to understand the importance of local government. In 2013 he and his wife Melissa moved to Lyons, Georgia, and began his second role as a city manager. His wife has experienced a stellar career in the emergency medical field, and the restaurant industry and currently continues her medical career with one of our local family medical practices. Jason and Melissa have one beautiful daughter, Kelsey, who has a career in the health insurance field. They are also the parents of two creative sons, Evan, who has a successful career in construction, and Caden, who is seeking higher education at Southeastern Technician College.

Jason’s love of local government comes from a servant's perspective. According to him, no form of government is as closely associated with service as the local form of government. Local government gives him the ability to impact his neighbors daily. He also holds the life mantra “…. plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit”. Jason has been a member of Lion’s Club International since 2013 and believes Lion's creed, “We Serve,” is a natural extension of his life’s mantra. Jason Served as President of the Lyons Lions Club in 2019-2020 Jason was awarded Lion of the Year in 2020, the Lyons International Presidents Certificate of Appreciation and is a Melvin Jones Fellow. IN 2023 He was awarded the Lions Club Citation of Distinguished Service for his Veterans Memorial Flag Project.
Mayor Willis D. NeSmith Jr. is a long-time resident of Lyons, Georgia, he was born in Vidalia, Georgia, and grew up in Toombs County. He attended Georgia Southern University but returned to Lyons to work with the family business. In 1988, he married his wife, Elizabeth Brogdon. Together, they have three children: Daniel, Will, and Sam. They also have four grandchildren: Micah, Jay, Sally, and Hampton.

Mayor Willis ran for city council in 2004 and served two terms from 2004 to 2011. He ran for mayor in 2012 and has held the role of mayor ever since, currently in his third term.

In his free time, Mayor NeSmith Jr. enjoys reading and swimming. He also loves fishing and hiking, although he rarely has time for these activities. He is actively involved in various organizations, including the Lyons Lions Club. Willis has also chaired the Toombs County Hospital Authority and has managed many local businesses. One of his significant accomplishments as mayor is changing the governing system from a Strong Mayoral government to a Weak Mayoral government with a full-time City Manager.

Mayor NeSmith acknowledges several individuals who have positively impacted his life, including his parents, Superior Court Judge Marvin Hartley, Eddie Tyson, and Mike McDonald, who helped get him involved in politics. Previous Mayor John Moore Sr. was also a vital mentor for Willis as he transitioned into politics. As Mayor, Willis D. NeSmith Jr. works on short-and long-term planning to improve the quality of living for the residents of Lyons
Allow us to share some exciting news with you! The City of Lyons, Georgia has recently welcomed Samantha Martinez as the newest member of the Lyons Police Department Animal Control team. Samantha is an animal lover at heart, and her passion for animals makes her an excellent fit for this position. Keep an eye out for her and some of our furry friends at community events in Lyons - you might just spot them! Samantha is a proud mother of two children, Shawn Martinez (15) and Morgan Smith (4). She has always had a love for animals and has worked as a veterinarian assistant for eight years, in addition to teaching horse riding lessons. Samantha also has an impressive collection of pets, including three dogs (Jolene, Maggie, and Pocka), one cat (Pete), and two horses (Roy and Little).
My name is Densier Carnes, but most people call me "D." I was born in Atlanta, GA in 1970 and
I was the first graduating class from Benjamin E Banneker High School in 1989. During my time
there, I played football and baseball and was a cadet in JROTC, where I excelled. After
graduation, I joined the US Army and served in several countries including Germany, the
Netherlands, and Korea. I took part in missions such as Liberation Quat, Iraqi Freedom, and
Desert Storm. During the last ten years of my military career, I served as a resource officer and
DARE instructor for high school and middle school students, teaching them about self-
confidence, peer pressure, and relationships.
After more than 20 years of service, I retired and settled in Vidalia, GA with my family. Here, I
work as a City Animal Control Officer for the Lyons Police Department.
I have been happily married to my wife, Sherry, for 27 years, and we are blessed to have three
children: Cherry, who is 27 years old, Densier III, who is 25, and Sensier, who is 22. Cherry and
Densier III have already earned their master's degrees, while Sensier will be graduating this
year.
My hobbies mainly revolve around watching my children play sports. I love to attend their track,
basketball, and football games. Cherry graduated from UGA while running track, and Densier III
graduated from John Brown University while playing basketball. This year, Sensier will graduate
from Point University while playing football.
One lesson I would like to share is that life is always about choices, and everyone has choices
to make. If you find yourself rationalizing a decision or action, it's usually not the right one. The
right thing to do is always clear, and you shouldn't have to convince yourself to do it.

Lyons Police Dept. Clerk of Courts, Stacy Morris ~ Bio

Stacy Pittman Morris graduated from Toombs County High School and attended Lee College. She married Barry A. Morris on Sept 7, 2002, and they have two children, Jared, and Ashlynn Morris.

 

Stacy loves to read and tend to her other children aka her flowers, as her kids fondly call them. She started working at the Lyons Police Department in October 2011 and became the Court Clerk in 2016. Her responsibilities include recording, filing, and maintaining court proceedings and managing books, case files, and journals related to past court proceedings. Before this, she served as a Sergeant at Toombs County 911 for 9 years.

 

Devoted to community service, Stacy participates in various programs such as the DARE program, Back-to-School Bash, Fishing Rodeo, and the Lyons Real Squeal Music & BBQ Festival. She is always ready to help wherever and whenever she can.

 

The person Stacy looks up to the most in her life is her Mema, who taught her to "love the person and hate the sin."

 

Dedicated to her work, Stacy can always be found at work early and is known to stay late.