Roy Bates Tye Sr.

Roy Bates Tye Sr., 89 Roy Bates Tye, Sr. " Lakeland, Fla. Mr. Roy B. Tye went to be with the Lord on January 29, 2015. He was born November 21, 1925 in Vidalia, Georgia. He was 89 years old. He began his working career with Seaboard Coast Line railroad in Georgia. He spent many years as an electrical contractor and owner of Tye Electric, wiring many homes in Lakeland. He spent the majority of his career as the Supervisor of Maintenance for 30 years with Publix Supermarkets, Inc. He had a big passion for water skiing, and skied competitively for several years, even holding the Senior Men""s Water Ski Jump record in 1961. He served as the President of the Lakeland Water Ski Club. Roy was also very passionate about flying, especially a Piper Cub Cadet, after obtaining his pilot""s license. He served in the United States Army for four years and was stationed in Germany. With his rank of ""Private"", he was charged with the security of the colonel. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ernestine Tye of Lakeland; brother John Robert ""Bobby"" Tye of Savannah; sister Jean Tye of Atlanta; son Roy Bates ""Beau"" Tye, Jr. and wife Martha of Pittsboro, NC; daughter Sherry and husband Scott Crossman of Orlando; grandchildren Ellie and Charles Crossman, Samuel and Payge Tye; great-grandchild Maddox Crossman, sister in law Shirley Boyett, brother in law Erwin Blitch, Jr (Neal); and friends Dennis Martin and Laney Bacon. Visitation will be Monday, February 2nd, 12pm " 1pm at Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland. Services will follow at 1pm at the funeral home. Memorial may be made to: Florida Baptist Children""s Home - PO Box 8190 - Lakeland, FL 33802 or to Alzheimer""s Research - USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC70, Tampa FL 33612. Service: 02/02/2015 Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 02/02/2015 Heath Funeral Chapel