John Lyman Kiser ’54

John Lyman Kiser ’54, of Cary, N.C., died Jan. 25. He was born on Feb. 20, 1932, to the late Lyman Kiser and Elizabeth Cochrane Kiser. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth “Lib” Holland. He graduated from Davidson, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma, Scabbard and Blade, ODK and was president of the Student Government Association. He was well-known for his friendliness, his phenomenal ability to remember the names and faces of the people he met, his loyalty to the causes he believed in, and his leadership abilities. His nickname was “Mr. President” because he was so often chosen as a leader. He served two years as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He became an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and was a life member of the Million Dollar Roundtable for 17 years. He was a stockbroker and financial consultant with an M.S. in financial services. He was an Eagle Scout and later worked as a volunteer with local cub packs. He was an active member of the Rotary Club for 50 years and was elected Rotarian of the Year in 2000 by the Crabtree Rotary Club. In January 2007, he was recognized by the City of Raleigh for his service to the city. He was a charter member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Lyman is survived by his wife, Maria Hunter Kiser, 400 Dartmouth Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609-5850; and his children, Allison Nebel (Arthur Nebel), Loy Chipley (Ron Parks), Judy-Lynn Kiser Barrow (Jim Barrow), and John Lyman Kiser, Jr. (Molly McNeill). He is also survived by three stepchildren, Sally Mackie (Rob Mackie), Kathryn McDonald, and Hunter McDonald. He has six grandchildren and eight step-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his favorite nieces, Libby and Laura Holland, and his brother-in-law, Leon Holland.