HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Longtime Houston County educator Edward James Dyson III passed away on Saturday in his home in Warner Robins, according to Houston County Coroner James Williams.
He was 82-years-old and died of natural causes in hospice care.
"Mr. Dyson is well known in the Houston County community from his years of dedicated service to the Houston County Board of Education where he served in numerous roles including teaching, coaching and later as principal at Northside High School," Williams said.
Dyson was the third of five children and was born in Waycross, Georgia, according to his obituary.
"Growing up on his grandfather’s farm, he learned early the value of hard work as he learned to pick and cure tobacco. He acquired the reputation of being a caring and responsible young man, often taking care of his younger siblings and cousins," the obituary says.
Dyson graduated from Center High School and attended Fort Valley State University on a basketball scholarship. He majored in Math.
In 1964, Dyson began teaching mathematics in Perry.
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His teaching career was put on hold while he served in the United States Army, spending two years in Germany. When he returned, Dyson resumed his high school teaching and coaching career. He transferred to Northside High School in 1970 where he continued teaching mathematics and coaching football, basketball, and track.
In 1980, he continued his success by becoming principal of Northside.
While serving as principal, Dyson not only served in his executive capacity, but he always made himself available to his students for tutoring or mentoring.
"Known as a strict disciplinarian, his students were grateful for his guidance which altered the course of many of their lives. Respected as a community leader and role model, Mr. Dyson will forever remain one of the most recognized names in education and support in the Houston County school system," the obituary said.
In April 2023, Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick officially designated April 29 as Edward Dyson Appreciation Day in Warner Robins.
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His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Silvonia Dyson; children, Leslie Dyson and Dr. Rebecca Heyward (Alex); grandchildren, Amber Dyson, Andrea Dyson, Brian Dyson, Tiana Newton-Arline, India Newton-Arline, Ceniah Pointer (Brandon), McKenzie Arline, Christopher Samb, Alexis Heyward, Alaina Heyward, and Harmonie Arline; great-grandchildren, Chandler Dyson, Mya Porter, Chloe Pointer, Kingston Pointer and Takodi Clark; siblings, Ronzie Patterson (Al), William Dyson, Monette Graham (Larry), Carter Dyson (Virgie) and Barbara McCoy (Doc); and aunts & uncles, Ossie Slaughter, Martha Silas and Alexander Williams and a host of other relatives and friends.
The funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16 at First Baptist Church of Garmon Street. Following the service, Dyson will be laid to rest in Parkway Memorial Gardens.
For those wishing to pay their respects, Dyson will lie in honor from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, at McCullough Funeral Home. For friends and family unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page.