James Brooks “Crip” Tyler, age 88, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011 in Water Valley, MS with his family by his side. He was born in Water Valley, MS on November 14, 1922 to the late Hiram Brooks and Willie Belle Hunter Tyler. Crip was an outstanding athlete. He played football, basketball and baseball at Water Valley High School. He went on to play semi-pro baseball for the Water Valley Colonels. He served in the United States Navy during WWII in the Armed Guard on the Murmansk Run to Russia and volunteered for one of the first underwater demolition teams as one of the Frogmen (known today as the Navy Seals). He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Crip was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Water Valley, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Board member, and on numerous committees. He was a rural mail carrier for the United States Post Office for 34 years. He started one of the first American Legion Baseball Teams in north Mississippi in the early 1950's. Crip was best known for his years of service as Director and Coach for the Magnolia Youth League, "The Ball Park" in Water Valley, MS. He was affectionately known by all as, “Mr. Crip”.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. The funeral service follow at 4:00 PM at Seven Oaks with Bro. Phillip Dearman officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery with Breck Tyler, Cam Tyler, Drew Tyler, Dakota King, Dylan Dorris, Charlie Edwards, David Williamson and N. L. Joseph serving as pallbearers.
Crip is survived by his wife of 65 years, Geanie Tyler of Water Valley, MS; two daughters, Nancy Brooks Tyler of Atoka, TN and Mary Brooks Tyler (Brett) of Tocopola, MS; one son, John Caldwell (Pam) of Water Valley, MS; one brother, Bob Tyler (Dale) of Water Valley, MS; three grandchildren, Twinkle VanWinkle, Braden VanWinkle Sheldon, and John Michael Caldwell; and three great grandchildren, Rosemarie Murphy, George Lawson Sheldon,III, and Geanie Louise Sheldon.
The family has expressed that it would be their joy in healing if you would send any memories or stories of Mr. Crip to the following address:
The Family of Crip Tyler
302 Lincrest Lane
Water Valley, MS 38965
OR email them to [email protected]