Robert Tyus Sr.

Robert Tyus, Sr

Somerset - Robert Ralph Tyus, Sr was born on August 14, 1932 in New Brunswick, NJ to Ollie VanHorn and Elton Tyus. He departed this life on Monday, February 19, 2018 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Ralph (as he was affectionately known) attended the New Brunswick School system. At an early age he attended and was a member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. In 1950, he married Martha Roberts and to that union they had 7 children. Five sons and 2 daughters.

Ralph was an avid baseball player. In 1946, he played for the Garden Cubs (Somerset). He had an offer to try out for the Major League Baseball team the Detroit Tigers. Then in 1957, he formed his own baseball team called the Indians with George & John Montgomery, Don Bowling, Walter Morris, Charles & George Hawkins to name a few. As years passed he formed another team that had younger players like Ron O'Connor, Ron Coleman, Ron Mondey, Ricky Gilchrist, Don Tyus and Frank Baker. This team was called the Royals and later changed to T&T All Stars. The next four years they dominated and won all of the New Brunswick Leagues. Two of his players went on to play in the Major Leagues.

Ralph also loved driving trucks. His CB handle was "Mr. Walking Tall". Although he wasn't a very tall man, he was a great man. At 18 years old he began driving trucks and drove for the next 60 years. He owned and operated his business called "RT Trucking".

Ralph truly loved baseball and trucks but most of all he loved his family.

He was predeceased by his oldest son, Robert Ralph Tyus, Jr "Snuke". Two brothers, Leedell Tyus, Sr and Columbus Jack VanHorn Sr. Three sisters, Susan Wilkins, Barbara Johnson and Marilyn VanHorn.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Martha and his six children. Richard "Donnie" (Theresa) of Kendall Park, Jerome "Roney" of Charlotte, NC, Juanita "Arlene" Walker (Ray) of New Brunswick, Darryl of Somerset, Lydia of North Brunswick and Rodney "Craig" of Randallstown, MD. Four sisters, Mary Speights (Sonny) of California, Lillie Owens of North Carolina, Florence Fields and Patricia Savage of New Jersey. Three very special nephews: Ronald "Nunnie" Coleman, Ronald Fields and Samuel Fowler, Jr. A childhood and lifelong friend, Walter B. Morris. A very special friend, Ron Vinnie. Eight grandchildren: Donyale, Richard Jr., Lynzi, Stacy, Brenelle, Ebony, Craig and Tyler. Two great grandchildren: Darrell and Aniyah. And, one great-great grandchild Jayla. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Service is on Weds Feb 28th at 11 am, viewing at 10 am at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset, NJ.

If you asked Ralph how he was doing he would ALWAYS reply "I've never had a bad day in my life".