Bill Tyson

James William Tyson, Jr., known as Bill, 88, left this world peacefully on May 21, 2025 surrounded in love at ECU Health Medical Center.

Bill was born September 12, 1936 in Saratoga, NC as the first son of James William Tyson Sr and Juanita Branch Tyson. He was raised in Saratoga where he devoted his life to his loving family and developed a strong work ethic which propelled him into pursuing a degree in Science at High Point University. After completing four years at Highpoint, he began to work in Raleigh, NC but soon after returned to his family home to work alongside his father at Tyson and Sons House Moving Inc. He continued to work there for 47 years with his son, James William Tyson III, and brother, Andrew Branch Tyson, Sr.

During his time at university, Bill met his beloved wife, Frances Avery Tyson, with whom he was married to for over 57 years. Together, they raised their two children, Donna Lynne Tyson and James William Tyson III. He was a devoted father and husband that always offered guidance and support to his family. After Fran’s passing in 2017, Bill went on to meet Emily Anson Wooten Sharpe, who supported and loved him until her passing in 2024.

Bill had many passions in life, including house moving, FUMC Mission Team, Barbeque fund raisers, gardening and baking desserts for his loved ones. His hope in life was to continue to support and uplift the community in which he thrived for decades. Most that met Bill would say his sense of humor and laugh could light up any room he was in.

Bill is survived by his two children, Donna and Bill, his brother, Andy, three grandchildren, Avery Grace Dishman, Emily Katherine Dishman, and Tyson Nicole Dishman, his daughter-in-law Laurie Tyson and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to celebrate Bill Tyson’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church, located at 100 Green St NE, Wilson, NC 27893 on May 31st, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the FUMC Mission Team in Bill Tyson's memory, PO Box 1423, Wilson, NC 27894.

Rest in peace, dear father. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com