John Michael Tyson, Sr.

John Michael Tyson, Sr., 75, of Meigs passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at Archbold Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Mike was preceded in death by his wife of more than 30 years, JoAnn Spence Tyson, his parents, Thomas Rainey Tyson, Sr., and Vida Pearl Southerland, his sisters Opal Pipkin and Jackie Schoolman, and his brother, Thomas Rainey Tyson, Jr.  He is survived by his sons, John Michael Tyson, Jr and his wife Jodie Ansley Tyson of Thomasville, and James "Jeb" Tyson and his wife Lindsay Brynside Tyson of Woodstock, granddaughters Alicia Tyson Baldwin (Seth) of Tallahassee, FL., Megan Phillips (Jake) of Sale City, Makayla Tyson of Camilla, Leah Tyson of Thomasville, grandsons Spence Evans Tyson and Rhodes Sutherland Tyson both of Woodstock, a great grandson Athens Reid Phillips of Sale City, sister-in-law Judy Tyson (widow of Tommy) and several nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved as his own.  Mike loved music and proudly played trumphet for his Alma Mater of Valdosta High and was a veteran of the US Navy serving stateside and in Japan.  He would go on to a career of store management for Keenans Auto Parts, Carquest and lastly Stones Home Centers.  Mike enjoyed the outdoors more than anything.  He raised birds, fish, geese and chickens and helped out from time to time with his brother, Tommy's, pigs and cows.  Perhaps his favorite pet was his pet racoon; JoAnn was not a fan.  All along, Mike had a love for gardening.  He spent decades admiring and growing orchids and daylillies,in addition to planting vegetables, and fighting a never ending battle against weeds.  He was honest, caring and always up for a good laugh.  Although he wasn't always present, he was a proud member of Hinsonton Baptist Church and would be the first person to tell you there were no finer people than the members of Hinsonton Baptist.  Mike's life will be celebrated in a small, intimate graveside service at the Tyson family plot at Liberty Hill on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Les Pollock will officiate. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Michael Tyson, Jr., Jeb Stuart Tyson, Tommy Windhausen, Bunky Tyson, Sr., Bunky Tyson, Jr. and Homer Tyson. In lieu of flowers and food, please do something enjoyable in honor of Mike; listen to some new music, plant a garden or flower, or take your family out for Taco Bell.  Willis Jamerson Braswell Funeral Home, Pelham, GA