Sam Tyson

Sam was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering selflessness. He proudly served in the US Army for 21 years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. After retiring from the military, Sam embarked on a new career working at Cherry Point, where he retired for a second time.

A committed member of Spring Hope Free Will Baptist Church, he served as a deacon and was the associate pastor. In addition to spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly, he enjoyed raising cows and drinking Pepsi.

Sam was preceded in death by his father and mother, Louis R Tyson and Mattie A Tyson, his brothers Louis T Tyson, Kenneth Tyson and Bobby Ray Lewis, his sister Betty “Grace” Jones, his beloved mother-in-law Fannie H Moye and sister-in-law Martha J Moye.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jane Tyson. While home on leave, Sam met Mary at Pitt Memorial Hospital on a blind date. On May 7, 1956, 12 days after meeting and with the blessing of his soon-to-be mother-in-law, Fannie Moye, Sam and Mary were united in marriage. For 65 years, Sam and Mary lived their vows, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part.

He is also survived by his son, Sam Tyson Jr., daughter and son-in-law Soundra and Curtis Toler, son and daughter-in-law Cliff and Kristie Tyson, grandchildren Allysha, Nikki, Stephanie, Bridget, Kristin, Corbin, Cody, April, Savannah, and several great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held 2:00pm Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Lakeside Chapel at Greenleaf Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Smile at www.operationsmile.org. The family will receive friends at their home.

The family would like to acknowledge Riverpoint Crest and Cardinal Hospice Care for providing compassionate care during a difficult time under challenging circumstances.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & crematory. Online condolences may be made to the Tyson Family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com