William E. Lyke

William E. Lyke, 97, of Holly Hill, Florida (formerly of New Smyrna Beach, Florida) passed away on October, 19, 2019.

 

Born in Buffalo, New York, Bill Lyke, a sales executive, moved to New Smyrna Beach in 1984 from Chicago, Illinois.  Willy (as he was known in his Fighter Squadron), was a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps and fought in WWII.  Mr. Lyke flew a P-47D-30 airplane and provided air support to allied ground troops in Northern Africa.  He and the 65th Fighter Squadron of the 57th Fighter Group are showcased in an exhibit at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT.  Mr. Lyke started his career with the Chicago Tribune in Chicago and was National Sales Manager for the paper for 40 years.  Mr. Lyke was a Notre Dame fan, an avid golfer, loved spending time with friends and family and at his summer home in South Haven, Michigan.

 

Bill was married to Eileen Sheridan for 74 years and a proud father of Butch, Jimmy, Jerry and preceded in death by Linda.

 

Survivors include 3 sons, Butch Lyke of Chicago, Illinois, Jimmy Lyke of Tinley Park, Illinois, and Jerry Lyke of Champaign, Illinois.  Grandfather to 13 and Great-Grandfather to 16.  

 

Mr. Lyke’s wishes were to be cremated.  The private interment will be at Sea Pines Memorial Gardens, Edgewater, Florida.