Billy Joe Dyson

EVANSVILLE, IND. - Billy Joe Dyson, 85, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away from an extended illness this past Friday, September 22, 2023, with his family at his side at his son's residence in Kathleen, Georgia.
Bill was born in Evansville, Indiana in November 1937, the fourth child of Willie and James Dyson. Bill had two sisters, Lema and Millie and two brothers, Jim, and Bob, who all passed before him.
Growing up Bill loved playing basketball and football and other sports with his friends at Deleware Elementary School and, in his high school years, for the Central Bears. In 1955, right before his senior year, Bill's older buddies made the decision to join the Marine Corps. Bill decided he would go with his friends, skipping his senior year to enlist into the Marine Corps in August 1955. He later earned his diploma through the Marine Corps. This fateful decision took him overseas to Japan, Taiwan, the Suez Canal, and many trips on LST's in many areas of the world. Bill loved his time in the Marine's and the adventures it brought as well as the camaraderie of spending time with the guys. After touring overseas, Bill returned to Camp Lejunne in North Carolina in 1958 and met the love of his life Carolyn "Sue" Dyson, a fellow Marine. In the Marine Corps, Bill was a sharpshooter with expert status and an instructor on the rifle range. He was also an MP at the main gate before leaving the Corps and marrying Sue in December 1959. Bill and Sue were married for 62 years before Sue's death in January of 2022.
Bill and Sue moved to Long Beach, California shortly after marrying where Bill worked in sales for Sears Roebuck, National Biscuit Company and eventually the Herald Examiner Newspaper in the Los Angeles area. They moved back to Evansville in 1975 where they purchased a tavern called Robby's Bar on Main Street. Bill kept up with all his childhood friends and they became regulars at the bar until they sold it in 1990. Bill finished out his working career in the Painters Union Local 156 as an industrial painter and supervisor at various companies in the Evansville area before retiring in 1999.
Bill loved playing golf, having a cold beer and spending time with his friends. He loved watching IU basketball and enjoyed reading and watching the History Channel. Bill and Sue spent their last 15-20 years during the winter months playing golf and residing in Inverness, Florida. Through the years Bill always stayed in close contact with his childhood friends and cherished their relationships until the day he died. He was a loyal, hardworking, father/husband who worked hard to raise and support his family. Bill is survived by two sons, Jim Dyson, and Jeff Dyson both residing in Kathleen, Georgia; and three grandchildren, Kyle Dyson, Kevin Dyson and Jennifer Dyson who all reside in Georgia. Like Carolyn, Bill developed a special bond with his daughter in law Laurie Dyson who supported and cared for him throughout his illness.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2023 between 2-5:15 pm at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711. His memorial service will begin at 4:30 pm where the Evansville Marine Corps League will perform military honors.
Notes of condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.