Rev. Richard L. Tyler Jr.

Beloved husband, father, minister, pastor, educator, and friend went home to be with The Lord Tuesday, May 13, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer and complications. He was born December 31, 1928 in Jefferson County, Alabama to the late Rev. Richard L. Tyler, Sr. and Addie Dorman Tyler. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Wright Tyler (They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 15th); 3 daughters, Sherry Davis with her husband, Daryl Davis, of Oakland, CA; Denise Jones with her husband, Tim Jones, of Benton, TN; Jannis Sams with her husband, Tim Sams, of Cleveland, TN; 1 son, Michael Tyler with his wife, Mary Gale Tyler, of Winchester, TN; 7 grandchildren, Jeremy Tyler with his wife, Diana Tyler, of Knob Noster, MO; Benjamin Tyler of Tokyo, Japan; Matthew Tyler of Winchester, TN; Lana Jones of Austin, TX; Candace Jones of Chattanooga, TN; Bryan Sams with his wife, Stephanie Sams, of Cleveland, TN; Brandy Sams of Cleveland, TN ; 1 great granddaughter, Isabella Tyler of Knob Noster, MO; 2 great grandchildren, Jaxon Sams and Brylee Sams of Cleveland, TN; 2 sisters, Frances Goodwin of Kimberly, AL; Barbara Tyler of Dutton, AL; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a great host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Richard Ellis Tyler; his infant great grandson, James Michael Tyler; 2 sisters, Avis Obermeyer and Hazel Rhoades; and 1 brother, Gordon Tyler. He graduated from Phillips High School with honors in June of 1947. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Birmingham Southern College in June of 1954 with a BA degree, majoring in History and minoring in Science. He did graduate work at University of Alabama in Guidance Counseling. He ministered for 67 years and pastored 56 years. He also worked for many years in the Scottsboro City School System as a teacher, guidance counselor, and assistant principal. He served his denomination, The Church of God, in positions on various State Boards and pastorates in Gardendale, Coaldale, Sipsey, Bessemer, Addison, Scottsboro, Asheville, NC, Alabama City, West Radford, VA, and Scenic View. He served as State Overseer of Upstate New York and was a member of the Board of Directors for Lee College (now Lee University) for 10 years. He was the founder of the Church of God Northeast Alabama Ministerial Fellowship. He had an exceptional memory and could quote scriptures extensively. He was revered for his dynamic ministry and teaching. His love for people was always evident. He said that he would like to be remembered as a friend. He had varied interests. He loved music and singing. He played the piano, organ, guitar, accordion, and harmonica. He also loved the outdoors, flowers, and gardening. As a great handyman, he always had the right tool and was ready, able, and willing to repair any broken thing. He was a kind, gentle, and caring man who loved God and his family and was adept at winning friends. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 11:00am at the High Point Church of God with the Rev. Larry Haynes, Rev. Tony Pope, Rev. Raymond Culpepper, Charles Dawson & Rev. Kenneth James officiating. He will lie in state at the church from 9:00am until time of service on Friday. Burial will follow at a Graveside Service at the Masseyline Church of God Cemetery in Pinson at 3:30pm. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 15, 2014 from 5:00pm-9:00pm at the Scottsboro Funeral Home.