Joseph Tyler

Joseph Connie Tyler, 71, of Charlotte passed away, Sunday, May 26, 2019 at home with family by his side.

Affectionately tagged "Joe Tee," he was born September 18, 1947 in Port Chester, NY. Joe was the third son of Russell and Dorothy Anderson Tyler (both deceased).  He had two older brothers, Woody Douglas, Sr. and Ernest (both deceased); older sister, Rosalind; and little sister, Brenda Tyler Pickens (deceased). The family later moved to Beacon, NY, where he was educated at South Avenue School and Beacon High School.

He was never a kid to be still--or quiet--and a real hustler in sports, especially baseball. His pal "Pee Wee" Jones called him "Timba" (Timber) Tyler 'cause he hit the ball so hard in Little League--their coach Babe Adams agreed. Joe later enlisted in the U.S. Marines--he was a young and scrawny but scrappy kid that became a sergeant in the Vietnam War. He came home pretty shot up with shrapnel in one leg--which he rarely mentioned. He later became a postman, a job he enjoyed and from which he retired.

Joe met Pat Moore again after they were grown. They went to grade school together (he was the boy who lived down the street who always brought HIS ball to the playground --he was about controlling his space). When they married, he was already father to daughter, Gidget "Hey Babe," with high school sweetheart, Valerie Milligan (deceased). He then became father to Michael (Monique Parker Tyler) and Dillon (Megan Keegan Tyler). They lived in Poughkeepsie, NY and after a job transfer they moved to Charlotte, NC.

Joe really cared about his community and the youth and he will really be missed by his neighbors (he served as block captain). He was generous with his time in Poughkeepsie--coaching P.A.L. and Little League, which he continued in Charlotte. (There's a photo of him being restrained after a bad call against his team at Sugar Creek!)

Joe took great pride in being a Marine. He had equal passion for baseball. He played in Poughkeepsie for various teams, including the Silver Slipper and Noah's Ark. He just LOVED playing senior softball. He began with Lou's Royals--later Reality Check and ending with C&H Engineering. He really enjoyed going to ISSA tournaments with his teammates. Whether it was a local field in Huntersville or in Las Vegas, he was serious about that thang y'all!  Joe was always ready to step up or be vocal where needed. He embodied hard work, hustle and drive; he encouraged us to think, be organized and soldier on through. HOORAH!

Joe LOVED his family. He was truly there for us and made things happen! He was PRIME as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle or friend. His beloved dog, Chai, will really miss sitting out on the patio with Joe at 2 a.m.

In addition to his wife, three children and sister, Joe leaves nine grandchildren and one great-grand; beloved sisters-in-law, Sarah Wright Moore (Johnnie, deceased), Diane Washington Moore (Charles), Shirley Moore (Thomas); beloved niece, Kema Tyler, whom he was more like a father to; beloved honorary sister, Phyllis Hicks; nephew, Woody Douglas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service in celebration of Joe's life, and in honor of service to his country, will be held on Friday at 2:00 p.m., May 31, 2019 at Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel of Harrisburg.  The family will receive friends during a repass immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte, 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Tyler family.