Deacon Garfield Rufus Tyler

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good  fight, I have  finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

-II Timothy 4: 6-7 

Deacon Garfield R. Tyler was born to the late Deacon Judge Tyler and the late Clara (Clarie) Joyner Tyler in Greensville County, Virginia.

Tuck, as he was affectionately known, openly shared childhood memories of attending the Merry Oaks School where he developed lifelong friendships. He laughed about making mischief along with older sister Cornelia and little brother Herman under the protective watch of the family dog True Boy.  Their adventures included visiting with beloved, paternal Grandma Rosa near the scary but exciting family cemetery. 

The family church membership moved from Little Shiloh Baptist Church to Morning Star Baptist Church while Tuck was still a boy. He treasured the closeness between his parents, brothers, and sisters in a home where devotion and praise to the Lord were not reserved for Sunday, but intertwined in the fabric of everyday life.  The gifts of music and singing were used to worship the Lord, edify the saints, and celebrate the Christian life. In adulthood, Tuck would attend music school and the piano would become an instrument of ministry he used throughout his life. While a young man, Tuck purchased a farm with older brother Charlie (Bill), living with Bill and his family for a time only to return decades later in retirement, to build a home and spend his golden years with wife Nancy there.

Garfield enlisted in the Army, completed basic training, and shipped overseas. He was devastated when told upon embarking in Japan of the sudden, untimely death of his dear mother. Crushed when refused release to return home, he was told that she probably was already buried and the military saw nothing more for him to do. Shortly after discharge from the Army, Garfield moved to Philadelphia joining brother Herman and sister Mia there, and became an active member of the West Bethlehem Baptist Church.

During this season of life, his heart turned to marriage and starting a family.  The union of Garfield and his sweetheart Nancy brought Linda Marie and Sheila Darlene.

Mr. Garfield was ordained a deacon at West Bethlehem Baptist Church under the direction of the Reverend Reuben Stephens.  Through the years, membership would include Liberty Baptist Church under the direction of Reverend R. Quarterman and later Philippian Baptist Church under the care of Reverend S. Amos Brackeen. Deacon Garfield served cheerfully in the choir, youth and other ministries. Upon retirement, Uncle Garfield and Aunt Nancy returned to Morning Star Baptist Church in Jarratt, actively serving the church and community.  Through the years, the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Jarratt became a second church home for Deacon Garfield and Ms. Nancy.  They enjoyed serving both church families and cherished the precious friendships they developed.

Deacon Garfield R. Tyler kept a pleasant disposition through the challenge of illness. While at the Southside Regional Medical Center, he peacefully transitioned from this world to be with the Lord during the early hours of Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022.

Beloved wife, Nancy Parham Tyler welcomes her Honey into eternal glory. Tuck is also welcomed by his siblings: Sue Martha (Sue) Tyler, Omelia (Mia) Rowe, Charlie E. (Bill) Tyler and wife Carrie, Judge (Buddy) Tyler, Roosevelt (Lemuel) Tyler and wife Elizabeth, Cornelia Jefferson and husband Marcellus, and the Reverend Herman Tyler.

Daddy, Pop, Poppop, and Poppa; your memory will be treasured by family and friends. Daughters: Linda M. Felton (Ronald Gregory), Sheila Tyler Smith, and God-daughter Felicia M. James. Grandson Andrew Felton (Sophia); granddaughters Nicole F. Wakefield (Shawn) and Brianna M. Smith. Great grandchildren: Nolah Wakefield, Olantai Wakefield, O’Cean Wakefield, and O’Zir Wakefield.

Brother Garfield leaves his older brother, Calvin Tyler, Sr. (Virginia Mozelle) and dear sisters-in-law, Marie P. Tyler, widow of Judge Tyler, Jr. and Claudelle H. Tyler, widow of the Reverend Herman Tyler. Also his treasured family through marriage: Martha Harper, Alexander and Ruth Ridley; Charlie and Winnie Neaves, Clifton and Lottie Tyler, Essie P. Freeman, Frank Parham, Willie Parham, Joseph and Bonnie Parham, Robert and Dianne Parham, Phil and Gloria Walker, the Reverend Mack A. Parham, Roy and Joanne Parham, Virginia Hayes, Dale Mouldin, Donnell and Shawna Parham, and beloved Patricia Parham. A host of devoted cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends are bound by ties of love and affection.

Garfield R. Tyler; son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather, leaves a legacy that may be well represented by the lyrics of this gospel song he played and sang so well: 

He’ll Understand and Say “Well Done” 

by Lucie E. Campbell & Evelyn Simpson Curenton

 If when you give, the best of your service,

 Telling the world that the savior is come;

Be not dismayed when men don’t believe you; 

He’ll understand; and say, “Well done.”

 If when this life of labor is ended, 

And the reward of the race you have run; Oh!

 the sweet rest prepared for the faithful Will be His blest and  final “Well done.”

 Oh, when I come to the end of my journey, 

Weary of life and the battle is fought and the victory’s won; 

Carrying the staff and the cross of redemption,

 He’ll understand and say, “Well done!"

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Deacon Tyler's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

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"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Deacon Garfield Rufus Tyler. 

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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