Charles Douglas Tyson

Charles Douglas Tyson of Sunflower County was the last born son of Franklin Samuel and Mary Pate Tyson, who were residents of Dockery Plantation at the time.  Dockery Plantation has been called the birthplace of the Blues.  He was called to be with the Lord within 9 miles of where his life began.

In 1971 Doug married his former wife, Brenda Hayes Tyson, and they were blessed with two sons, Delaney Douglas Tyson and Raymond Dustin Tyson who both live in Pearl.  He is preceded in death by his late wife, Peggy Canady Tyson, his parents, and his sister, Janice Ruth Tyson Kisner.  He has two brothers, Robert Franklin Tyson of Bandera, TX and James Foster Tyson of Farmerville, LA.  Although Doug held the usual jobs at times, his best efforts were dedicated to writing and playing music.  He excelled at guitar, but also played keyboards, harmonica, bass, and even percussion.  He co-founded with Jim and Bob “The Blue Rhythm Band” in 1963, while living on Billups Plantation, and he was crucially important to all the music they played and composed, writing such Delta-inspired songs as: “Dockery,” “Drew-Merigold Road,” “Crying for Some Good News,”and “Delta Levee Breaks.” In 1967 the group recorded their first record in Cleveland, MS in a friend’s studio.  Doug also had a band named “Skintight” with his former wife, Brenda, who played all over the Jackson area, opening for such acts as The Diamonds. In 1974 “Skintight” won a talent contest in Jackson, MS on WAPT TV.

There are too many events and musician friends to mention in this short time.  His last wish was to hope to be in a Heavenly Band, which would include his father and his brothers some day.  Music is a creation of God, and Charles Douglas Tyson lived, breathed and emanated music and talent. He will be forever missed. The family would like to recognize the staff at North Sunflower Medical Center for the love and care that they showed.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS.  A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m.