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Obituary for Thomas Henry (Tommy) Dyson
Thomas Henry (Tommy) Dyson, 87 of Jackson, died peacefully at St. Dominic’s Hospital on April 2, 2022.
The only child of the late J. L. and Lona Mae (Robinson) Dyson, he was born on January 26, 1935 at King’s Daughter’s Hospital in Greenville, Mississippi. He grew up on a farm in Drew where he learned and loved the basics of farm life and work ethic. He graduated from Drew High School in 1954, and faced life without either of his parents. He continued his education at Sunflower Junior College, and later at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Thanks to the assistance of the late Congressman Frank Smith and Senator James Eastland, his tenure as a public servant was launched in 1955.
In the summer of 1956, back in Drew, he met the light and love of his life, Yvonne (Shug) Carter, on a blind date. It was a classic “love at first sight.” He met Shug on a Friday night, dancing to the rhythmic music of the Delta Famous, “Red Tops”. On the following Sunday, he asked her to marry him. And the rest is history; they married on November 21, 1956 and became inseparable.
Tommy was the epitome of a true “Civil Servant”. The desire to help others was evident throughout his life and public career. In 1966, he began his career as an auditor with the Mississippi State Department of Audit under the tutelage of the late Hamp King. He quickly moved up to the position of Supervisor of Municipal and County Audits where he became a familiar official figure to city and county officials.
In 1984, he left the Audit Department to become a member of Governor Bill Allain’s staff. Soon thereafter, Governor Allain appointed him to Executive Director of the Mississippi Employment Security Commission. He was able to improve the process of helping Mississippian’s secure gainful employment. In 1992, he returned to the Mississippi State Department of Audit as Deputy State Auditor and retired from this position on June 30, 1996. Upon his retirement, he was honored by the Mississippi Legislature for an exceptional career in public service, a well deserved tribute to an exemplary state official.
Besides helping others, another example of his endearing faith to his Lord, was his service to his church of 50 years, Briarwood United Methodist Church. He loved Briarwood and served it in many roles: chair of many committees, including the Pastor Parish Relations and Board of Trustees; and served as a delegate to the Annual Methodist Conference for 10 consecutive years. He also cooked and served pancakes at Men’s Club and was the “Bride” at the church’s only “Womanless Wedding”. He was a faithful member of the Choir for over 40 years and loved all the hymns in the Cokesbury.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Bill Qualls. He is survived by his soul-mate, Shug, and their daughters, Dana Campbell (Ross) and Judy Qualls. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Clark Campbell (Alison), Andrew Campbell (Brittany), Kristen Qualls and Katie Qualls. In addition to his grandchildren, he is survived by three great grandchildren, RayLee Campbell, Owen Campbell and Kaide Campbell. He leaves behind several cousins on the Robinson and Dyson sides, as well as special nephews and nieces on the Carter side. A host of dear friends are left to remember and cherish him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials/donations may be sent to Briarwood United Methodist Church, St. Jude Hospital and Research Center, Son-Valley, the Mustard Seed or a charity of choice.
Tommy Dyson, above all else, know that you loved with your whole heart and were loved!
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