Lyman Felton Brickhouse

Lyman Felton Brickhouse, 80, of the Chapanoke community of Perquimans County, NC, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at his residence.

Born in Pasquotank County on August 31, 1944, Lyman was the son of the late Buster Brickhouse and Elsie Holmes Brickhouse.

Surviving is his wife of 36 years, Darlene Brickhouse: his three sons, Doug Brickhouse (Deborah), Troy Brickhouse (Chrystal), and Joseph Manning (Lynne); a brother, Curtis Brickhouse, all of Elizabeth City; a sister, Christine Elsen (Ludlow) of Steele, AL; 10 grandchildren, Heath (Ashley), Courtney, Daniel (Victoria), Ashley, Kimberly (Brandon), Haley (Mason), Troy Jr., Dylan, Austin, and Kaleigh. 11 great-grandchildren, Danielle, Colton, Elijah, Cayson, Kinsley, Allory, Tucker, Brycen, Peyton, Zoey, and Nova; two nieces, Cheryl Boisell and Diana Hardison, and a special “friend, friend” Sharon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Dixon, and a sister-in-law, Donna Brickhouse, both of Elizabeth City.

He was a proud and loving Daddy, Paw Paw, Great Grandaddy, and husband. He loved to tell you about his family. Lyman was a man of many talents in his lifetime, from being a carpenter, to being a route salesman for Mary Jane and Elizabeth City News Company, to in his later years being regarded as the best auto detail man in this part of the state, working for various dealerships, most notably, Courtesy Ford for 15 years. Any one of them would tell you he was the absolute best in his field. He was probably best known for being the manager of Spinning Wheels Roller Rink during its heyday. On any given Friday or Saturday night, he was “pops” or Mr. Lyman to anywhere from 300 to 600 kids who all seemed to love him and remembered him all through his life; and just so you all know, he loved you right back. He would often say, I ran into so and so the other day from the skating rink and always loved talking about it. He loved life and telling stories of his childhood from growing up on Grady Street with Bobby White and the rest of the “Grady Street Gang”, to spending summers with his grandparents in Tyrrell Co. or thumbing a ride to Nags Head to work at the Casino. Lyman took great pride in being an Original Member, but not a Founding Member of the Pasquotank County Rescue Squad, having joined in 1965. Anyone who knew him knew how much he loved old Chevy’s and fast cars. He was founder of the Albemarle Classic 50’s Chevy Club which had a lot of success in the late 70’s to early 80’s promoting Tri-Five Chevys and holding numerous local and regional shows. 

He always loved Dixieland Speedway from the opening day, but one of his greatest joys was watching and working on his son Troy’s race car. He absolutely loved hanging out in the garage with his sons and his extended race family and taking care of any of the bodywork that had to be done before the next race. One of his crowning moments was when he was asked to drive the Pace Truck, especially if he was setting the pace for his son. He absolutely lived for Friday night and would talk about it until the next Friday night. “Thank you” to the ones who gave him this opportunity. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his family and friends, and he was truly a man who lived respected and died regretted.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, and will be conducted by Pastor Philip Harden. Friends may visit with the family in the funeral home immediately following the service on Saturday and all other times at the residence.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for the love and care provided during his time of need.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.millerfhc.com.