Marsh D Lyall

Year Inducted: 2024

Dean Lyall was born in Wilkes County on June 28, 1939, to Everette and Lola Bauguess Lyall.  Marsh’s life was enriched with a deep love for family, a sister, Betty Lou, a brother, Everette Jr., grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins who cared for each other.

Marsh began his education as a student at North Wilkesboro Elementary School in 1945 and graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1957.  While in high school he served as a class officer, was awarded the Sandy Nininger Award for his involvement in the Key Club and community projects, played football, and baseball, coached by Ray S. Triplett.

While Marsh’s parents had not had the privilege of higher education, they encouraged Marsh and his siblings to continue their education.  Marsh was the first member of his family to attend college.  Marsh attended Mars Hill Junior College, lettered in football, and met a beautiful young lady, Patricia Sechrist, from Winston-Salem, N.C.  Marsh and Patricia were married in 1960, Marsh often says, “Pat changed my life and has been my best friend, sweetheart, encourager, and supporter.”  After attending Mars Hill Junior College, Marsh transferred to Wake Forest University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1961.  Marsh continued his education by obtaining his Master of Arts Degree in 1967 and his Education Specialist Degree in 1983 from Appalachian State University.

Marsh began his teaching, coaching, and administrative career in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System at Kernersville Junior High School in 1961.  In 1970 Marsh and his family moved to Burlington N.C. where he served as Principal of Turrentine Junior High School, that transitioned into a middle school.  In 1978 Marsh became the Principal of Walter M. Williams High School.  After thirteen years in Burlington, Marsh returned to his home county of Wilkes in 1983 to serve as Superintendent of the Wilkes County School System until his retirement in 1995.

Moving back to his Wilkes County roots gave him the opportunity to exercise his effective leadership skills as Superintendent of Schools.  One example of his leadership was the reorganization of Wilkes County Schools to include a new concept called Middle Schools.  As a result of that leadership and vision, citizens of Wilkes approved a ten-million-dollar bond referendum to build four new middle schools.  Marsh not only saw the need for change but laid the foundation by establishing the first “school within a school” at Woodward Junior High School.  He worked tirelessly and eloquently explained to educators, parents, and citizens the benefits for students, financial and staffing requirements for an exemplary middle school Marsh program.

When the concept was implemented, the pride of students, administrators, parents and school staff was evident as they hosted visitors who came to see an exemplary program in operation and learn about the planning process required.

His leadership in this effort not only impacted Wilkes County during Mr. Lyall’s administration but future boards of education and staff who would fully implement his vision and plan by selecting sites, reworking attendance zones, transportation routes and auxiliary services to accommodate the concept. 

Marsh Lyall has regularly and faithfully contributed to the betterment of education and the greater good of the citizens of Wilkes County.  Individuals including governors, legislators, local politicians, college and university presidents have sought his advice and counsel.  He has served on numerous advisory committees, boards, task forces, and service organizations to support, inform, and help fund many worthy endeavors for all age groups and numerous causes. 

In addition to being active in professional educational organization, Mr. Lyall has been involved, supported, and honored by local, state, and national organizations.  Marsh has been a member of the Wilkes Education Foundation Board since it was established in 1984, served as President of the North Wilkesboro Rotary Club 1998-1999, was named “The Rotarian of the Year” 2001-2002, District 7680 “Distinguished Rotarian Award” 2002, Rotary Foundation “Paul Harris Fellow” Level III, was named “Middle School Superintendent of the Year” by the NC Middle School Association in 1993, served on the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board 1993-1995, President of the Wilkes Art Council 1998-2002, appointed to NC Governor’s “Youth Advisory Council” 2013-2016, and President of the Wilkes South Gideon Camp.

Marsh has been involved in the life and work of all churches he has attended since his youth.  With the strong faith of his mother, he was always taken to church and participated in the activities provided, beginning with the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro.  While living in Winston-Salem, NC he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School, worked with youth ministries and was ordained as a Deacon.  When he lived in Burlington Marsh and Patricia were/are charter members of a new church, Holly Hill Baptist Church.  Upon returning to Wilkes County, Marsh’s family has been active participants in the various ministries at Wilkesboro Baptist Church.  Marsh was also elected to serve as an Elder, which includes a high calling for spiritual ministry within the church.

No man is complete without a loving family, Marsh has always been grateful for his parents and their strong Christian faith, for his loving wife and her deep faith, for his three children, Terri, Keith, and David who have made professions of faith.  Marsh and Patricia have also been proud and blessed to have six grandchildren, Ben, Lauren, Sam, David, Katie, and Allison, and one great grandson David.