Earle Goodson Tyler

COLUMBIA – Mr. Earle Goodson Tyler, 100, of Columbia, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024 surrounded by family. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 14, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

The service will be followed by the burial in the church cemetery and a reception in Jackson Hall. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

Born in Rich Square, NC, Earle was the son of the late Perry Cotten Tyler and Annie Frances Rea Tyler. He grew up on a farm in eastern North Carolina, ninth in a family of ten children, on land granted to his grandfather Napoleon Bonaparte Tyler. As a young boy he would walk for three miles by himself through fields and forests to attend church. Always a hard worker, Earle drove a school bus in high school where he earned nine dollars a month.

When WWII broke out, Earle wanted to join the war effort at age 17, but his mother asked that he wait until he turned 18. He then joined the Navy and was involved in taking and holding islands in the South Pacific until the war ended. He was awarded 4 medals and 2 battle stars. On August 8, 2024, Earle was honored at Ft. Jackson in Columbia for his service to his beloved country.

After the war, Earle attended NC State University and worked as a Field Sales Manager for Exxon until he retired. He was the former president and active member of the Exxon Annuitants Club of Columbia.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons: Tom Tyler (Kay), David Tyler (Terri), and Joe Tyler (Zan); his thirteen grandchildren: Jack Tyler (Cyndi), Mary Danskin (Scott), Ty Tyler (Tammy), Sam Tyler (Sarah), John Tyler (Christine), Elizabeth Tyler Bultema (Josiah), Mary Ellis Glymph, David Tyler (Tyler), Margaret Tyler, Katie Tyler, Michael Park (Winnie), Bryce Tyler, Ariana Tyler, Nathaniel Tyler, and Evan Tyler; and eighteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Mayme Ellis Tyler; daughter Grayce Dianne Glymph; grandson Chris Tyler; brothers Rea, John, Jim, Bill, Harry, Dick; and sisters Esther Tyler, Florence Saunders, and Frances Carroll.

After he returned from World War II, Earle dated, danced with, and married the love of his life, Mayme Ellis. As Earle said every day, “He and Mayme were married 62 years, 7 months, and 5 days.” They were an extraordinary example of a strong, happy, successful marriage. One of their pastors remarked, “You couldn’t tell where Mayme ended and Earle began.” He took great comfort in knowing that as a Christian he would see Mayme again in heaven.

Earle Tyler lived a full life, marked by hard work; service to his church, community, and country; and dedication to his family. His family was a deep source of joy for him, and he greatly enjoyed spending time and participating in activities with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren until the day he died. Some of his fondest memories were taking his family to the beach and to White Lake, where his extended Tyler family (of well over 100 folks) held an annual, weeklong family reunion.

Mr. Tyler was devoted to serving Christ through his church, First Presbyterian, where he was a member for almost 50 years. He served as a deacon and elder. He founded and taught the Timothy Sunday School Class with his dear friend Dr. Joe Tabor. He was the coordinator for many New Hope Ministries projects and recruited his grandchildren to serve along with him. In later life he volunteered in the church office one day a week, answering the phones and serving the staff. In 2011 he was elected Elder Emeritus. Earle was also a faithful volunteer for the Red Cross in Columbia for 17 years.

The family wishes to thank the First Presbyterian pastoral staff and the many friends and caregivers who have so lovingly supported Mr. Tyler during the past year with visits, meals, a 100th birthday party, and other kindnesses too numerous to mention.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church’s Joyful Response stewardship campaign. (Grace Presbyterian is a daughter church of First Presbyterian.) Online gifts can be made at https://www.gracepresarp.org/giving. (Select “You can give here,” followed by “Give one time,” and then choose the “Joyful Response Campaign” option). Checks can be made payable to Grace Church with “Joyful Response” in the memo line and mailed to Grace Church, 445 Spears Creek Church Rd., Elgin, SC 29045.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.