Edward James Dyson, III

On the night of Saturday, February 10, 2024, Edward James Dyson, III entered the gates of heaven and joined his Lord and Savior.

The third of five children, Mr. Dyson was born in Waycross, Georgia to the late Edward Dyson, II and Lula Lorene Williams Dyson. 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. Mr. Dyson graduated from Center High School in Waycross, Georgia and attended Fort Valley State College on a basketball scholarship, where he studied mathematics. In 1964, Mr. Dyson began teaching mathematics in Perry, Georgia. Shortly after beginning his career in education, he met and married his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Silvonia Allen. His teaching career was put on hold while he served our country in the United States Army, spending two years in Germany. Upon his return, Mr. 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. At one point, he even coached the Junior Varsity cheerleading squad. While teaching, coaching and mentoring, he received his Masters of Education and Education Specialist degree from the University of Georgia and became the Assistant Principal at Northside. In 1980, he continued his success by becoming principal of Northside, a school he had grown to love. While serving as principal, Mr. 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 that 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. He was committed to his school and his students, which was evident in his visibility. He would often be seen at various school programs throughout the county supporting his teachers and students. Northside High School’s baseball field carries the name of this True-Blue Eagle as a reminder of his value and leadership. In addition to his service in education, Mr. Dyson was instrumental in the spiritual lives of so many. A member of First Baptist Church of Garmon Street, he faithfully walked with Christ and was vocal of his love. Mr. Dyson served as Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry at First Baptist, Director of Houston County’s YMCA, Chairman of HoDAC of Houston County, chairman of the Hospital Authority of Houston and was a member of the Hospital Authority of Houston County. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dr. Shana Dyson-Arline, mother, Lorene Williams, father, Edward James Dyson, II, and brother Marvin Dyson.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Silvonia Dyson; children, Leslie Dyson and 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); son-in-law, Pastor H. Calvin Arline, IV (Charlotte) and Demetrius Austin; 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, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Garmon Street. Following the service, Mr. Dyson will be laid to rest in Parkway Memorial Gardens. For those wishing to pay their respects, Mr. Dyson will lie in honor from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at McCullough Funeral Home. For friends and family unable to attend, the service will be streamed live at the First Baptist Church of Garmon Street Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/210Garmon

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family.  McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.