April 14, 1942 – October 26, 2021
William Ernest “Bill” Tyson, 79, of Titusville, FL, passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021.
Bill was born April 14, 1942 in Bainbridge, GA, the son of Ernest Jones Tyson and Hazel Sloan Tyson. His father died when he was 8, but growing up in the wonderful town of Bainbridge where it was safe to ride your bikes everywhere was a real blessing. Coaches, Scout leaders and First Baptist Church filled that void for him. Bill was an amazing athlete, excelled in sports and academics, and earned the Eagle Scout. After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1960, he played football, baseball, and tennis at Presbyterian College while earning his degree in math.
He was commissioned to the United States Army where he served 22 years and retired as a Lt. Colonel. Bill had a distinguished career, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, and receiving many honors and medals. Bill loved his family and leaves them with many wonderful memories. You have to smile when you think of his fun-loving nature, his contagious laugh, big smile, and the joyful way he lived his life. He was the beloved tennis coach at E. C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA. He then had his dream job as captain of Marlin Magic Charters in Wachapreague, VA.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Hicks Tyson and son Sebastian of Titusville, FL; his daughters, Stacy Groce (Clark) of Canton, GA and Stacey’s mother, Karen Tyson of Savannah, GA, Kim McEniry (Christopher) of Orlando FL, and Martha Williams (Courtney) of Charlotte, NC; his sister, Nancy T. Grimsley of Bainbridge, GA; his wonderful grandchildren, Megan Groce, Clair Groce, Caroline Groce, Claire McEniry, Lulu McEniry, Watts Williams, Haines Williams, and Evie Williams.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents E. J. and Hazel Tyson; his precious son, Jeff Tyson; his stepdaughter, Kristen Jewell; and his former wife, BB James Tyson.
The family request is for any memorial donations in memory of Bill to go to Friends Ministries, P.O. Box 513, Bainbridge, GA 39818. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com.
