Bobby Louis Tyson

Bobby L. Tyson, Ph.D., P.E., 73, died Saturday, December 17, 2016. Dr. Tyson retired in 2003 as the Associate Dean for Extension of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He received his undergraduate and Master of Science degrees from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. from Clemson University in Agricultural Engineering. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer, and a Life member of the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

Dr. Tyson's passion for agriculture began as a child, raised in a farming community and actively participating in the state 4-H program. His career included over 12 years with the United States Department of Agriculture and 23 years with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service.

A native of Brookfield, GA, he was the son of the late L.C. Tyson and Louise Hale Tyson. Dr. Tyson was a 46 year member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Due to his love of farming, he purchased and farmed land in Oglethorpe County for 15 years as a "weekend" farmer, growing soybeans and wheat. He was invited to join the Herb Bonner Hunt Club and truly enjoyed the comradery of the other members once a year during deer season. He was a devoted husband and father, coaching his son's little league teams and chaperoning his daughter's band trips. In retirement, he avidly supported his grandchildren in their activities while continuing his lifelong encouragement of his children with his unconditional love and wisdom.

Dr. Tyson is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Catharine Mitchell Tyson and his two children, Gina Tyson (S. Matthew) Sander of Acworth, GA, and Robert M. Tyson of Fort Mill, SC; grandchildren: Christopher and Catie Sander and Jessica, Mitchell and Nathan Tyson; brothers: Clelland (Brenda) Tyson of Lavonia, GA, Ted Tyson (Rosemary) of Auburn, AL, Paul (Marilena) Tyson of Jasper and Orange Park, FL; sister: Jean Tyson (Darryl) Moore of Tifton, GA and also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to attend visitation from 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at Lord & Stephens East (4355 Lexington Rd). A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, December 22, 2016, at Covenant Presbyterian Church (1065 Gaines School Rd), with a reception following. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, his family prefers donations be made to Georgia 4-H. Visit www.Georgia4H.org and select the Donate Now button, in memory of Dr. Bobby Tyson.

Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com