Richard Lee Tysinger, 87, of Columbus, Georgia, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Visitation will be held at Morningside Baptist Church, 6065 Morningside Dr, Columbus, GA 31909, Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:50 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am.
Lee was born on July 8, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama to Lillian and Harry Tysinger. He graduated from Coral Gables High School in Miami, Florida in 1957 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Auburn University in 1962. A few years later, on January 24, 1965, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Stewart, whom he has been married to for 61 years. Lee loved aviation and joined the United States Air Force to become a pilot. He became a Captain and flew C-130s with Mobile Air Command (MAC) in Vietnam and around the world. After leaving the Air Force, Lee began his career with Delta Airlines. Lee worked for Delta Airlines from 1968 to 1997 as a pilot. He also served as the 727 and 767 Chief Instructor Pilot for 12 years.
Lee served as a Deacon and youth leader at Concord Baptist Church in Concord, Georgia. He was also a choir member and Sunday school teacher at Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. He volunteered with the Red Cross. He served at Flint River Academy as Chairman of Board and Fine Arts booster club founder. He also volunteered at Eagle Ridge Academy and Blackmon Road Middle School. Lee was an avid golfer, reader enthusiast and history buff. Lee made a difference to his family and those he came to know. He treated everyone he met with respect and dignity. He lived with integrity, unselfishness and was generous with his time, talent and resources. He loved the Lord and his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lillian Tysinger and his brother, Harry Tysinger Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Stewart Tysinger; his children, Robert Tysinger (Kelli) and Beth Tysinger Leary (Richard); his grandchildren, Sarah Tysinger Reynolds (Matt), Anna Leary Voltz (Bo), Jackson Tysinger (Hannah), Abby Leary, and Alex Leary and his great grandchildren, Ella and Piper Reynolds.
