Bobby Hoyt Tyler

Bob Tyler, long-time Mississippi high school and college football coach and athletic director passed away April 28, 2024, at his home in Water Valley, Mississippi with his wife Dale by his side. He was 91.

Born Bobby Hoyt Tyler on July 4, 1932, in Water Valley, he was preceded in death by his parents Hiram and Willie Belle Tyler and his brother James “Crip” Tyler. He is survived by his loving wife Dale White Tyler his high, school sweetheart and wife of 69 years.

After graduating from Water Valley High School in 1951, Bob attended the University of Mississippi, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Following his service in the United States Army, he volunteered to coach the Water Valley junior high football team and began a 45-year career as a coach and teacher. After his start at Water Valley, he coached high school at Okolona, Corinth, Senatobia, Meridian, and Oxford. After back-to-back state championships at Meridian High School, Bob began coaching at the collegiate level including years at Northwest Community College, North Texas State, Millsaps College, and on John Vaught’s Ole Miss staff, Bear Bryant’s Alabama staff, and as head football coach and athletic director at Mississippi State University. While these years included many wins, bowl games, and awards, his greatest reward was always found in the relationships made with the young men and women he and Dale coached, taught, and led to the Lord.

Following his coaching years, Bob served under Dr. Sam Polles as the Director of Parks for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. He later served as the Deputy Director of MDWFP, and at the time of his death still served as the ex officio of the WFP Foundation. Bob had a passion for conservation and helped start the Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) program, supported the Fallen Officers Memorial, and helped lead the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery. He also served as the Director of Economic Development for Yalobusha County for fifteen years until 2022.

Bob is a member of the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame, the Mississippi State Athletics Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2023 was honored to have the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery renamed the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery. He and his wife Dale were long-time members of the First Baptist Church of Water Valley.

Bob is survived by his children Breck (Denise) of Oxford, Mississippi, Cam (Julie) of Water Valley, Mississippi, and Drew (Jill) of Oxford, Mississippi; his grandchildren Whitney Windham (Will), Perryn Edwards (Charlie), Reed Tyler (Anna Mills), Lauren Dalton (Matt), John Christopher Tyler, Caroline Tyler, Mary Madison Tyler, Mckenzie Tyler; his great-grandchildren Lillian Edwards, Ozzie Edwards, Tyler Windham, Breckyn Windham, Drew Windham, Ella Dalton, Brooks Dalton, and Jack Dalton.

Visitation is planned for Tuesday, April 30 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the First Baptist Church in Water Valley, Mississippi. Visitation Wednesday, April 1 begins at 10:00am with the Service to follow at 11:00am all at the First Baptist Church with Reverend’s Randy Bain and J.B. Bond officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks at:
https://foundationmwfp.com/