Billy Lee Lytton Jr.

Billy Lee Lytton, Jr., Police Chief of Gaston College, and resident of Cherryville, passed away on June 27, 2020.

Born to Billy and Virginia Lytton on October 3, 1952. Lee attended Hunter Huss High School, and married his high school sweetheart Teresa Evans on July 18, 1972. Lee served 4 years in the United States Airforce. Lee was honorably discharged in 1974 with the rank of Sergeant. While serving our nation he was stationed in New Hampshire, Okinawa Japan, and Texas.

He joined the Gaston County Police Department in 1974. Billy served as a Patrolman, Detective in the Vice Squad, Sergeant, Captain, and Assistant Chief.  In 1983, he Received his Advance Certificate . He furthered his law enforcement education and received his General Instructor Certificate in June 1987 from NC Dept. of Justice. Billy retired in August of 2001 as Assistant Chief.

Billy then joined the Gaston College Police Department in 2002 and served in the role as Chief until his death. Billy was hired by Gaston College as a sworn police officer with the College Police Department which at that time was under the leadership of Chief Randy High.   Based upon his qualifications and previous experience as Assistant Chief of the Gaston County Police Dept. Billy was promoted to Chief of the Gaston College Police Dept.  and has served in this role for almost 19 years.

Under Billy's leadership the Department expanded its role in campus security through the use of electronic technology including an extensive camera system, modern radio dispatch equipment, public warning system and panic buttons throughout campus as well as increased police presence during the academic day. Through Chief Lytton's tireless work the Department also grew in size from the 3 sworn officers when he assumed leadership to a total of 9 full time sworn police officers and numerous security officers at present.  Chief Lytton's leadership was instrumental in advancing the Gaston College Police Department from its earlier roots to the professional agency it is today.

He served his nation, his state, and local community for over 50 years. He dedicated his life to making the world a better place for his grandsons. Lee enjoyed hunting, road trips with his wife, watching his grandsons play baseball, but mostly having his family around him.  His motto in life was to love God, his family, his country, and the New York Yankees.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, July 9, 2020 at First Assembly Church in Gastonia from 6-9 PM. Funeral with full police honors will be held on Friday July 10, 2020 at First Assembly Church at 2PM, interment to follow at Westview Gardens in Bessemer City.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents.

Lee is survived by his wife, Teresa. Daughter Dawn Ingle and husband Ben of Cherryville. Son, Matt Lytton and wife Katie of Vale. His brother Dennis Lytton of Gastonia. His grandsons Noah Ingle and Levi Lytton. Sisters-in-law Jane Beverly (George) of York, SC, and Kim Golob (Mike) of Irmo, SC.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations can be made to Gaston County Police Memorial Fund