Rev. Earl S. Tyson

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Duke University Guilford College

Earl Tyson Obituary

Rev. Earl S. Tyson, General Evangelist, Virginia Conference, United Methodist Church, died at his home in Scottsville, VA on Saturday, November 27, 2010.
Earl was born on February 26, 1928, the son of Rev. Jack and Irene Tyson. He was brother to Dewey, Tommy, George, Vernon, Merle, and Bobby. His father and brothers were all United Methodist ministers. On September 6, 1953 he married Betty Jo Benfield, the daughter of a Methodist pastor and the love of his life. Earl was father to Tony, Teresa, David, and Tina. His 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren knew and loved him as “Pawpaw.” Earl graduated from Biscoe High School and Guilford College. In preparing for his ordination he took his conference course of study at Duke University and his theological education at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. After serving seventeen years as a parish minister in North Carolina and Virginia, he received in 1970 an appointment as Virginia Conference Evangelist and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world until suffering a stroke in 2002. Earl was a beautiful man of God and a beloved friend to all who knew him.
Join us in a celebration of his life and ministry at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 18, at Centenary United Methodist Church (where Earl served as Associate Pastor from 1959-1961), 411 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA. WWW.centumc.org. In addition to the Centenary service, a time of remembrance will be observed on Monday, December 27th, at 11:00 AM at Carrboro United Methodist Church (where Earl’s father was a pastor, and where Earl and Betty were married), Carrboro, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: Earl S Tyson Evangelistic Association, PO Box 306, Scottsville, VA 24590.
Gifts will be designated for support of persons entering the ministry of Evangelism.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Dec. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Tyson

10 Entries

Jackie Sutton Price Waters

December 8, 2023

I attended Garris Chapel Methodist Church near La Grange NC. I was about 6 yrs old when Rev Earl Tyson was our pastor. I was very young but he left a lasting impression with me. His brother Tommy preached one if our revivals. during this time. Many years later my mother was fortunate enough to travel to Israel with the Tyson brothers!

Barb Scott

March 14, 2023

Earl came to my Methodist church in south east Iowa many years ago. I wish I could remember the date. He taught on and I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Marion King

December 2, 2021

You were and always will be one of the sweetest man that I have ever known. You were always so even tempered, you got along with everybody. Your legacy will live on and your children and your grandchildren. There is not a day that the family does not talk about you. You are always remembered in one way or another. My condolences goes out to the family and to your beloved bride Grandma Betty. I know you are up there still doing your church sermons and still doing your revivals.

LUCIANA LEAL CHICHIERCHIO DA SILVA

October 11, 2020

I met Mr. Earl on a plane, going to Fortaleza (Brazil) in 2000. We immediately became friends and he even wrote to me later. He sent a picture of the family, his home and many kind words. Today, packing my things, his letter fell into my lap and I remembered him with longing. I didn't know that he had passed away. My feelings for the family of a gentle and sensational gentleman.

Gary Bland

June 23, 2015

06/23/15
Rev. Tyson was my minister back in the early 60's in Richmond,Va.The shootings in Charleston last week are still heavy on my
mind and I have been looking back at my youth in the South, trying to remember the people who taught me about love and racial equality and social justice, instead of the evil racist crap that I could have learned. Of course, my parents taught me by example, but it was Rev. Tyson and his wife, Betty Jo, that preached a gospel of love and lived their words. Back then in the South, it wasn't popular for a white person to express those kind of sentiments. Even for a preacher, it could have been dangerous. But Rev. Tyson spoke the word right out loud and I kept it with me all my live. Thanks, Rev. Tyson.

BILLY & MARION KING

December 9, 2010

To the whole Tyson family,,,my heart goes out to you all, it is never easy losing our love ones.One good thing he can continue his ministry to all above. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.

Sharon Pollard

December 9, 2010

Tony I was sorry to hear about your father. We know he is resting in peace. Bless you and your family.

Dan Sammons

December 9, 2010

"Betty Jo, Tina, and family I am sorry to hear of (our) loss." however it seems we had lost 'his' special natural endowment and ability with those giant hands and special way he spoke the word almost like JESUS, into being, back in 2002, one thing the Lord had given Earl was his spontaneity, over any situation, obviously another gift.

Wayne Angell

December 8, 2010

Tina,

I am sorry to hear of your loss.

Mike, Margie and Jordan Collins

December 8, 2010

Tina and Family:

God's blessings to you all at this time of loss. You are in our prayers.

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