A man integral to the literal shaping of Fresno, William M. Lyles, died Wednesday at 91 years old.

As president and CEO of Lyles Diversified, Mr. Lyles’ life was marked by not only building, but a passion for philanthropy — especially in education — and civic duty.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Bill Lyles passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 91, after an extended illness,” said Mr. Lyles’ son, Will. “We find solace in knowing that he had a wonderful life, which he often mentioned in recent years.”

Lyles’ Love of Building Helped Construct Fresno Skyline

Mr. Lyles took over the family drilling business in 1965 after his father’s tragic and accidental death, Will Lyles told GV Wire. Along with his brother, Gerald, the two transformed W. M. Lyles Co. into one of the Central Valley’s leading businesses, Lyles Diversified.

The company includes American Paving Co., New England Sheet Metal and Mechanical Co., and others.

The company built shopping centers, subdivisions, and industrial tracts throughout the state. His work with McCaffrey Homes and Gary McDonald Homes helped create Tesoro Viejo — the award-winning Madera housing community.

Lyles companies had a hand in building parts of Kaweah Health, Madera Community Hospital, Clovis Community Medical Center, and Valley Children’s Hospital.

A major investment into Pelco helped bring the company to Fresno and build it to the security giant it became.

“It’s a very sad day for Fresno,” said Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White. “He and the entire Lyles family have been a pillar of the Fresno community fir decades. I think there are many things around our community that we can look at that he was a part of be proud of the legacy that he’s left behind.”

His passion for construction goes back to his time in the U.S. Navy, where he worked as an engineer.

His book, “The Joy of Building,” detailed his life.

Mr. Lyles also served as director of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Lyles, a visionary leader whose passion and dedication profoundly impacted our community and economy,” said Will Oliver, president and CEO of the EDC. “Bill was a bold business leader, philanthropist and vocal advocate who challenged complacency and inspired progress, including during his tenure on the Fresno County EDC Board of Directors. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him.”

Lyles’ Passion for Arts, Music, Education Helped Advance Fresno Culture

Construction makes up only a portion of Mr. Lyles’ legacy. His commitment to education helped found Fresno State’s engineering school, which became the Lyles College of Engineering.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Lyles,” said Darren Rose, president and CEO of the Building Industry Association of Fresno/Madera Counties. “His impact in our community was immeasurable. His legacy will live on through the engineering program at Fresno State and his successful business endeavors.”

During his tenure with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce board, he was integral in passing the landmark Measure C — the countywide sales tax to build roads and highways.

“The passing of Mr. Lyles is a huge loss for the community and for our organization,” said Scott Miller, president and CEO of the Fresno chamber. “He has been behind countless important initiatives in our region and beyond for many years, but he’ll be remembered as a leader who was always willing to use his experience and resources to help others. He was a great man who will be missed deeply.”

Mr. Lyles’ love of music and arts helped advance culture in the area, as well. He served as a board member for the Fresno Philharmonic Association and the Fresno Opera Association.

He also served on the boards for the Fresno Arts Council and the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. He helped found public policy nonprofit The Maddy Institute.

“He was a person who stayed behind the scenes. He didn’t want the limelight,” said Ed Dunkel, Jr., president of Precision Civil Engineering and board member of the Lyles College. “He was certainly a power broker and as successful as he was in business, with everything he did philanthropically, he used his success to help others. That’s a terrific legacy to have.”