Graveside funeral services for Robert Michael Tyson, 63, of Atlanta, Ga., will be held Saturday, April 3, at 2 p.m. at Sparks Cemetery in Sparks, Ga., with the Rev. Willie Beasley officiating.

In the event of inclement weather, services will be held at Sparks Baptist Church.

Born March 22, 1947, in Sparks, Ga., Mr. Tyson died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Atlanta on Friday, March 26, 2010.

Mr. Tyson was the son of the late Ila Mae and Sankey Booth Tyson. He attended Sparks Elementary School and graduated from Cook High School in 1965, where he was named friendliest in his class.

He began his college career at Valdosta State College and graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in education. He also served his country as a member of the U.S Air Force. His professional career was spent in Atlanta with General Motors Corp., from which he recently retired. Following his retirement he began a relationship with the Atlanta Merchandise Mart. Because of his love of people, this was an association he especially enjoyed.

Mr. Tyson’s many interests included cycling and running. He participated in the Peachtree Roadrace numerous times. He enjoyed movies, books, music and especially his wide circle of friends and beloved family. He loved animals and leaves to mourn him his precious puppy, Betty Jean.

Survivors include three brothers, Kay and Jimmy Tyson of Puyallup, Wash., Polly and Charles Tyson of Bainbridge, Ga., and Mickie and Bill Tyson of Sparks, Ga.; four sisters and their spouses: Jackie and Virgil McCrary of Valdosta, Ga., Jean and the late Royce Phillips of Shalimar, Fla., Shirley Dyer, and Polly and George Talley of Valdosta; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Flowers will be accepted, or in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to your favorite charity.
Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta is in charge of arrangements.