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Wayman Tisdale Obituary

Wherever Wayman Tisdale went, whatever he was doing, chances were he was smiling. Tisdale was a three-time All-American at Oklahoma in the mid-1980s before playing a dozen years in the NBA and later becoming an accomplished jazz musician. But those who knew Tisdale, who died Friday at a hospital in his hometown of Tulsa, Okla., recalled not only his professional gifts but a perpetually sunny outlook, even in the face of a two-year battle with cancer that took his life at 44. "I don't know of any athlete at Oklahoma or any place else who was more loved by the fans who knew him than Wayman Tisdale," said Billy Tubbs, who coached Tisdale with the Sooners. "He was obviously, a great, great player, but Wayman as a person overshadowed that. He just lit up a room and was so positive." Jeff Capel, the current Oklahoma coach, noted Tisdale's "incredible gift of making the people who came in contact with him feel incredibly special." After three years at Oklahoma, Tisdale played in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. The 6-foot-9 forward, with a soft left-handed touch on the court, averaged 15.3 points for his career. He was on the U.S. team that won the gold medal in the 1984 Olympics. Gov. Brad Henry attended Oklahoma at the same time Tisdale did and later appointed him to the state's Tourism Commission. "Oklahoma has lost one of its most beloved sons," Henry said. "Wayman Tisdale was a hero both on and off the basketball court. ... Even in the most challenging of times, he had a smile for people, and he had the rare ability to make everyone around him smile. He was one of the most inspirational people I have ever known." State senators paused and prayed Friday morning after learning of his death. Tisdale learned he had cancerous cyst below his right knee after breaking his leg in a fall at his home in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, 2007. He said then he was fortunate to have discovered the cancer early. "Nothing can change me," Tisdale told The Associated Press last June. "You go through things. You don't change because things come in your life. You get better because things come in your life." His leg was amputated last August and a prosthetic leg that he wore was crimson, one of Oklahoma's colors. He attended an Oklahoma City Thunder game April 7 and later that month was honored at the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa. During the ceremony, he spoke about his cancer, saying "In my mind, I've beaten it." He recently told Tulsa television station KTUL he had acute esophagitis, which prevented him from eating for about five weeks and led to significant weight loss. Among the causes of that condition are infections, medications, radiation therapy and systemic disease. Last month, Tisdale was chosen for induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the first freshman to be a first-team All-American since freshmen were allowed to play again in the 1971-72 season. He was also one of 10 three-time All-Americans. Patrick Ewing and Tisdale were the last to accomplish the feat, from 1983-85. "On the court, he was an offensive machine that could score with the best of them," said Dallas Mavericks president Donnie Nelson, an assistant on Tisdale's Suns teams. "Off the court, he was grounded in faith and family." Tisdale played on an Olympic team that sailed to the gold medal in Los Angeles. The squad was coached by Bob Knight and featured the likes of Ewing, Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins and Chris Mullin. "Wayman was kind of a catalyst for people accepting roles," said C.M. Newton, the manager of the '84 team and now chairman of the NIT selection committee. "Michael was the leader of the team but Wayman was special in that way." Perkins and Tisdale shared a love of music and became friends during the Olympics. Perkins later was the best man at Tisdale's wedding. "That's a real friend who's got your back and would do just about anything for you," Perkins said. "That smile just gets you." As a musician, Tisdale recorded eight albums. A bass guitarist who often wrote his own material, his most recent album, "Rebound," was inspired by his fight with cancer and included guest appearances by several artists, including saxophonist Dave Koz and country star and fellow Oklahoma native Toby Keith. His "Way Up!" release debuted in July 2006 and spent four weeks as the No. 1 contemporary jazz album. His hits included "Ain't No Stopping Us Now," "Can't Hide Love" and "Don't Take Your Love Away." "He was truly an inspiration to me, paving the way for an athlete like myself to pursue a passion for writing and performing music," said Bernie Williams, the former New York Yankees star turned jazz musician. "I had the honor and privilege of having Wayman perform on the title track of my new album, and was looking forward to collaborating with him again." Tisdale averaged 25.6 points and 10.1 rebounds during his three seasons with the Sooners, earning Big Eight Conference player of the year each season. He still holds Oklahoma's career records for points and rebounds. Tisdale also owns the school's single-game scoring mark - 61 points against Texas-San Antonio as a sophomore - and career marks for points per game, field goals and free throws made and attempts. In 1997, Tisdale became the first Oklahoma player in any sport to have his jersey number retired. Two years ago, then-freshman Blake Griffin asked Tisdale for permission to wear No. 23, which Tisdale granted. Griffin went on to become the consensus national player of the year this past season as a sophomore. "I spoke with him pretty frequently this past season and he helped me in ways he probably doesn't even know," Griffin said. Tisdale is survived by his wife, Regina, and four children. --- Associated Press Writer Ron Jenkins in Oklahoma City and AP Sports Writers Jeff Latzke in Oklahoma City, Larry Lage in Detroit, Jim O'Connell in New York, Doug Tucker in Kansas City, Mo., Cliff Brunt in Indianapolis and Jaime Aron in Dallas contributed to this report. © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our

Published by The Palm Beach Post from May 15 to May 20, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wayman Tisdale

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I knew you through Toby Keith - I'm sure you welcomed him home yesterday God Bless both of you! A Fan

February 6, 2024

Watched you play in college, and in the pros; I......AM........SO............SORRY..........this had to happen to you....................I miss you and your music so very much!!!!!!! MAY THE LORD GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER AND HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL. Your NBA and MUSIC Brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joel

Other

September 29, 2021

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's...

May 16, 2020

I loved his music a very gifted young man. Absent from the body is To be with the LORD. Sleep on Wayman until the LORD comes.

Vietta Hankins

September 2, 2019

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Tisdale family and friends, time will help you heal, may God continue to be with all of you .

July 10, 2019

I'm proud to call you my brother. Love always, your sister, Peggy Lee

Peggy Cox

Sister

April 1, 2019

My favorite Jazz Musician! I absolutely love his music and some how I feel connected to him through it. Thank you Wayman for leaving this world with a gift of your talent.

Shalonda Tate

Friend

March 27, 2019

Harold Sherman Love this guy music will always lives on.

March 20, 2019

I remember seeing Wayman on Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA. at a Jazz concert, my sister and I fell in love with him. His smile was infectious. I was sadden to hear of his death in 2009. Wayman you are missed you are loved and most of all you are with the angels entertaining them. Until we hear you again.

Denise Greene

January 15, 2019

Kenneth Thomas

December 19, 2018

I love you wayman,I also like how you learned how to play the bass by yourself. you,r such a good person, I love you bro. scott salt lake city ut.

scott leonard

June 16, 2018

March 2018 and first thing this morning when I arrive at work, I YouTube the Best of Wyman Tisdale. Your music forever in our ears, Mr. Tisdale forever in our hearts.

Angelia Carter

March 26, 2018

Here it is, 9 years after your entrance to Heaven and I'm listening to your music thinking..."didn't I hear Mr. Tisdale passed away?" I just read the story of your life and just have to wonder...why? Only God knows! I praise God for Mr. Tisdale's footprints on this earth and in the hearts of those who loved him, for his legacy... I thank God for his gift of music (which I'm enjoying as I type) and for records that young men and women can aspire to reach and perhaps take it higher! Reading about him makes me wish I had the opportunity to have met him and introduce him to my sons! I work in education.

Shawn Poole

March 15, 2018

Man of God you are missed but definitely not forgotten. Your legacy will forever live in our hearts. To the Tisdale family, friends and fans God has a plan for us according to Jeremiah 29:11 God Bless.

Anita Andrews

January 26, 2018

R.I.H. Man of God. My husband and I listen to your music at least 8 times a month if not more. You are missed my friend. I know that you are in heaven composing, playing and yes even singing new music to our heavenly Father. God bless the Tisdale family and fans alike. God has a plan for all of us according to Jeremiah 29:11. Heavens best to each of you.

Anita Andrews

January 26, 2018

I've been dealing with depression in my life for the past couple of years but I've been listening to your music and it has sparked a rebirth to my soul. The song "Look at me now" describes my journey and I want to thank you for helping me in getting my vision focused on the greatest prize of all......to see the Lord when my tour on Earth is complete! Thank you my brother. RIH

Alfonso Crawford

Brother

January 14, 2018

Wayman Tisdale was best friends to so many people and meant so much to the hometown Tulsa. Every Christmas that he could he would come home and play for the church morning sunrise service at Christmas . we miss both him , his father and Ma "Tis" who was a powerful woman of GOD. Sincerely, a dear friend of his...

December 4, 2017

Still listening to your music. I know your are playing that guitar in heaven. Play on in peace my jazz friend!!!

Gloria Woods

September 21, 2017

DOAKES-BAILEY

September 11, 2017

I know it's kind of late but I felt like I had too I met you through my mom Sally morales she use to babysit you're son and daughter I was also young at the time I would go put on the paddle boat I apologize I forget you're names anyway just wanted to give my memory of a very glad to have met you and you're family God bless

Jaime Juarez

July 29, 2017

Julian Vaughn gave you a mention tonight here at Jazz In The Park - Birmingham, AL. You were amongst the greats in athletics and music. RIH.

Phyllis Williams

June 25, 2017

Just found the news about this fine man from listening to Smooth Jazz from London BSJ. The name came up and I did a search and found Mr. Wayman Tisdale. I did not meet you play basketball or music... but today I found you and your legend of love for life, basketball, music, and family lives. Yes, your legend will forever be with us till we meet again. May your soul rest in peace. Rev. Richard G - Texas

Rev Rick

June 21, 2017

Mr. Tisdale I am currently listening to your music on line and I came across this obituary. I remember when your first album Power Forward came out. I immediately brought it. I absolutely LOVED it! I will always be a fan and admirer of your amazing gift of music. I pray for your family and loved ones. Know that you will always be loved and missed. Through your music your beautiful legacy will live on forever.

Vanessa Johnson

April 8, 2017

You will always be alive through your wonderful legacy of music.

Nazarene Mckinney

February 21, 2017

I was very surprise today to hear of the loss of this great Jazz Musician whose music I absolutely Love. RIP my brother. you have made many hearts glad with your gifts.
Much Love.

Carlene Hamilton

November 16, 2016

Sorry for the loss

Larry Watson

November 15, 2016

Heaven called! See you later!

Mary Aowing

September 16, 2016

I just found out this guy has deceased. Wow I'm just falling in love with his wonderful music. I would have gave anything to see him in person. MY FAVORITE IS CIRCUMSTANCE ....Love your music always Mr Tisdale loyal fan forever!!!!

sarah robertson

August 9, 2016

UNFORGETTABLE, that's what you are....A great husband, father, bb player, musician, strong, bold, brave, awesome and had the greatest smile ever....THANKS FOR SHARING ONE'S MUSICAL TALENTS WITH THE WORLD......PRAYERS and BLESSINGS to family

Valenda Newell

June 29, 2016

I love his music--very spectacular.

Emma Wortham

June 8, 2016

You are at rest but in our hearts Wayman. Thank you for leaving an awesome legacy. You are greatly missed by our whole family. Your music will continue to touch our lives... God Bless you and your family!

Steve/Cindy Filipoff

June 8, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

May 16, 2016

Your essense will always live on & you are sorely missed. Thinking about the remarkable human being you were, the amazing artist and talented athlete you were while watching the finale of the Sacramento / OKC game. It will be the last game at Sleep Train Arena cause the team will be moving into a new stadium next season in downtown Sacramento. You were an honoree and your loving daughter represented you during the ceremony which was held at half time. Rest in eternal peace brother. One love.

Fritz Sabbat

April 10, 2016

Still with me my man!!!!! Wonderful Waymon. RIP Smooth

Ronald Young

March 20, 2016

I love and miss you Wayman. I play and improvise to all of your music on my keytar. You touched my heart in so many ways! I will remember you until my last dying breath.
Sam Nocera - Youngstown Ohio

Sam Nocera

January 30, 2016

Musician Johnson

January 26, 2016

Nathan Johnson

One the worlds greatest bass players.

Rest in peace brother.

nathan Johnson

January 26, 2016

Jaden Bentley & Family

November 21, 2015

My God Bless this sweet soul, and Angel from heaven. RIP Wayman.

Sharon Ramsey Griffin

November 21, 2015

Wow what an amazing person absolutely makes you want to be
a better person! Your spirt and smile will be for ever lasting! You give me hope!

John milligan

November 19, 2015

You were my friend! You always had a big smile on your face. You loved your family and you loved your fans. I sill can't believe that you're gone! I never got to say goodbye. Love you always!

Ty McGee

November 14, 2015

Why is it that I wasn't informed of your death? I can't imagine what in the heck I was doing to not have gotten this information at the time of occurrence... Watching the documentary now and so inspired, but so saddened... Love you man!

Linda Daugherty

October 21, 2015

I have been a fan 1997 til now
.
Love you man and your music til i'm. Gone from this earth.

gregory butts

August 30, 2015

I just learned that you have passed by watching the movie about your life and career. I'm so sad. I absolutely love your music. Although I'm not a sports fan, I know that you were gifted in that field, too. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. May you rest in peace.

Toni

July 3, 2015

Yes wyman tisdale was a great ball player , musician, a great man. What a wonderful smile, it was good to hear him say his role model was his father. Rip brother love u always.

darlene Henderson

June 14, 2015

Sadden for the family loss, the years as come and gone. May the family find continue peace from the God of all comfort.

Evans Family

May 31, 2015

Wayman, my heart is sad, you were and still are a spiritual inspiration and a favorite player of mine. Every 4th of July, Mark West's family, our friends and my family get together in your honor. Your sudden death still makes me sad til this day. God bless your family. Continue to Rest in Peace.

Jonathan P

May 26, 2015

i just saw the story about you on tv. i just your family to know my heart is full of love to have even been able to see his beautiful smile. it warmed my soul.

April 30, 2015

My HERO!! I have always loved your music and what a dynamic individual.

Louise Neal-Pedroza

April 30, 2015

A person like Mr Tisdale comes once in 100 years. I would like to see someone make a movie of his life. It should be called Bright.

D Feisty

February 19, 2015

tinsdale was a great kings player I remember him he will never be forgotten. cancer sucks!!!!

masion pouliot

February 19, 2015

A tragic loss to the world. Your smile a spirit will never die. Listen to you and your music everyday. Rest in peace big guy. Miss you!

February 17, 2015

Thinking of this great legend today. I enjoyed watching him play basketball for the Pacers, and I had the privilege to see him play jazz in Broad Ripple in 1997. I pray God's comfort over his family.

Elizabeth Hines

February 17, 2015

I was just listening to one of Wayman Tisdale CDs when I decided to go online to find a ringback tone for my phone. My heart is broken to know that he passed away in 2009. It' 2015 and I know his musical legacy will live on for generations to come. Thank You For Sharing Your Gift With the World.

Edwina

January 23, 2015

I will always miss your playing . God bless you.

Rob Green

December 29, 2014

Just got chills WATCHING YOUR STORY... YOU ARE MISSED :) REST IN PEACE

ANDREA RODGERS

December 4, 2014

Still my hero!!

John Orlosky

November 19, 2014

Wish I could of met you, but we will . I'll look for you in heaven,you are such an inspiration. Say hello to my family please. Blessings to you

Laura Meisner

November 6, 2014

GOD welcomed you as you left us. You were a remarkable man, sorry I didn't know you and family personally .Hope to meet you in Heaven though.

Laura Meisner

November 6, 2014

GOD welcomed you as you left us. You were a remarkable man, sorry I didn't know you and family personally .Hope to meet you in Heaven though.

Laura Meisner

November 6, 2014

You have inspired me to live my life to the fullest.

RICHARD cook , Jr.

October 21, 2014

Me.Tidale you were and is truley one that was chosen from birth thank you for the many years if joy thru sports to music rest in peace

D Brown

October 11, 2014

Dear Mr. Tisdale. You are truly miss my brother. Just everything from basket ball, music to your charity work.Rest in peace

James Holmes

October 8, 2014

Your music makes you an immortal..we love you man;and miss your smile and warmth. Thanks for doing a show for me back in the day in Sacramento..
your buddy john F.

John Foster jr

September 30, 2014

I just watched the Wayman Tisdale story...an amazing, lovely story of the life of an equally amazing man. Although familiar with the days with the Suns & your inspiring music, the story showed just how you were the person that others have described. Our loss is the Angels gain. Am sure your sweet & haunting music plays on in Heaven. Never realized until tonight that Cryin for Me was Toby Keith's goodbye to his good buddy. Wishing many blessing for your loving family who must miss you so every day. What a tribute to the human race you were - an inspiration to us all. Sleep with the Angels! Thank you for the many gifts you left behind

Kathy J Barrie

September 11, 2014

To be absent from the body, is to be present with the lord, R.I.P.

Madeline Rudisill

September 10, 2014

God Bless You.

Tony Quero

September 2, 2014

What a spirit and smile!

Belinda Cross

August 25, 2014

Steven

August 24, 2014

Grace and Peace to the Tisdale family. I just want to say thank you for sharing Wayman with the world. God's blessing's to the Tisdale family.

Steven Michael

August 24, 2014

Thank you for your music and for being an inspiration.

Michael Beale

August 24, 2014

Wayman, we miss you, I'm glad I got chance to see you perform with Dave Koz. Praying for your beautiful family, my heart goes out to them.

lest Allen

August 4, 2014

JUST WATCHED THE WAYMAN TISDALE STORY, WHAT A REMARKABLE STORY, WHAT A REMARKABLE LIFE!

ROSE HENRY

June 28, 2014

You are "Way Up" now Wayman. RIP, brother!!

Herb Herod

June 4, 2014

Much love to you wayman. I'm a new fan love your music

Norman Owens

May 22, 2014

We miss you Wayman.. Your spirit and your music lives on in our hearts

Richardene Caso

May 15, 2014

To a cousin i never met rest in peace listening to glory glory touches my heart every time.

Tomekia Buckhanan

March 30, 2014

Wyman, I know you are no longer with us on this Earth but you are with us in spirit, I was remembering you this morning, listening to one of your jazz songs....you will always be remembered and never forgotten ..

Katherine Garza

March 24, 2014

R.I.Paradise

Delmario Montgomery

March 20, 2014

Wayman you are so much alive. You still live through your music.I love that jazz.

Ray Roberson

March 12, 2014

Listening to your song "I"ll Do The Driving" wishing I could have met you personally.

Thomas R.

March 9, 2014

rest in peace love you and your ball playing

February 21, 2014

Mr Tisdale you have truly earned your wings.

Gail Poole

January 26, 2014

I just learned of you you are truly blessed with God's gift your words with a great inspiration to me

GM a I ll

January 26, 2014

Awesome man,love his music!!

Jodi Hardiman

January 3, 2014

May the God (Ps 83:18) of comfort bring peace and strength to the Tisdale family through this difficult time.

~ V

January 1, 2014

Still after all this time I miss seeing your smile. I miss your music. Your courage through cancer is an inspiration I will never forget. God has one helluva a band with you on bass Wayman. Rest in peace big man...

Kay Floyd

December 27, 2013

An amazing man. Gifted athelete and musician. I watched Wayman play during his days with the Pacers and only recently heard how gifted he was as a musician. He will be missed, but our loss is the Lords gain. Heaven is now blessed with another great man.

Barry Colip

December 25, 2013

I will miss you Wayman,but only in the sense of your physical presence. You blessed us with the gift of your amazing music through which you will dwell in our hearts forever. I thank God for that, and for the joy that fills my spirit each time I listen to your music. Oh yeah, I am always delighted to "watch you play again" for all eternity. I know you've got heaven rocking with your soulful guitar, and that ever present smile on your face. Thank you Wayman.

Laverne Smith

December 7, 2013

Great guy miss his music he's Playing for god !!

gregory butts

December 4, 2013

I had an opportunity to meet Wayman in 1994 when he played for the Phoenix Suns. He was a very nice, humble person. I was a cook at a sports bar. He was truly a regular person that day, not the superstar that I have read about it. It is sad to think he is gone.

Keith Rocci

October 5, 2013

For a big guy with a bigger heart, your beautiful music comforts me through rough times. Keep smiling!!!

Carl Young

September 26, 2013

God loved you more??

Karen & Danny Forte

August 18, 2013

I have been a fan since waymons college days, my husband and I just finished watching his story for the 2nd time. This story continues to pierce my heart. However, I still have all Waymons music as a reminder of his gifts.??

Karen Forte

August 18, 2013

I discovered Wayman's music last night and was immediately hooked. Tonight I find out that this great man is no longer with us. I didn't know him, but he seemed a nice guy - im so sad for his loss and to his family, as he said, cars and money mean nothing.

gerald s

August 7, 2013

Thank you, God, for giving us the talent of Wayman. I was a fan of him and his music. I got to see his story last night. Amazing how positive he was in spite of having cancer and having to have his leg amputated. I'm sure Heaven has many more jazz fans now that Wayman is able to play for the angels!!

Susan Meyer

July 30, 2013

I saw Wayman at one of his concerts in New Port Beach years ago, I thought this man music was fantastic. Since then I have moved to the east coast but have always remembered that night, his music will continue until the stars go out, his music will gone on forever. Thank Wayman for being a great example for our human race. One day I still hope to attend one of your concerts in heaven.

Mary Perret

July 30, 2013

I saw the Wayman Tisdale story last night and what a good man he was. Blessed in many, many ways to be a blessing to others, I felt blessed just watching his story. God has already blessed your family just by him being a part of your family. Even though he was with us for only a short time, he has left a legacy that will live on forever. May God bless the Tisdale family... :-)

LaVerne Peak

July 30, 2013

From Rick and Donna Smith. Prayers to the family. May Wayman RIP...

Donna Smith

July 29, 2013

A friend introduced me to his music in '09 and I instantly fell in love with his music. I had never been a jazz fan but his music had a style of its own. Sadly I just recently learned of his death. He will definitely be missed. RIP

Millin Jefferson

July 21, 2013

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