Melton Ray Tyson, Sr., known as Bill to those who knew and loved him, peacefully joined his Heavenly Father and beloved mother on May 23rd 2013 after a short illness. After serving his country during the Korean conflict, Bill returned to Lumberton where he was a local businessman for many years. He was very active in the tire business but will be best remembered for his many restaurants until his retirement in 1998. He became known as the "food man" wherein it was a given that you would get a good meal and a friendly smile. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James Russell Tyson and Alice Ethel Pegram Tyson; a brother, Richard Tyson; and three half-brothers. Bill is survived by two sons, Melton "Ray" Tyson, Jr. and his wife Brenda and Michael Carl "Mike" Tyson and his wife Glenda; and the mother of his children, Carolyn J. Tyson; two grandsons, Justin Tyson and Ryan Tyson. He is also survived by two brothers, Samuel "Sam" Tyson and wife Cona of Manning, SC and Luther Carl "L.C." Tyson and wife Mary Ellen of Clinton; two sisters, Margaret Ann Williams of Fayetteville and Millicent Tyson Nealy and husband Arlan of Lumberton; and many nieces and nephews.