Ellyson F. “Tat” Dyson Sr. was born December 17, 1921 in Franklinton, La. to the late Fletcher Emanuel and Amanda Magee Dyson. At an early age, he confessed Christ and became a member of the Sweet Home Church of Holiness, USA and was a faithful member for many years. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Terry C., Melodysee F. and Coolidge Dyson. He excelled in school and graduated with honors from the Washington Parish Training High School. After high school, he entered Southern University but his college career was interrupted because of his induction and service into the United States Army where he served gallantly as a Buffalo Soldier in World War II and was honorably discharged. After his military service he returned to Southern University and graduated, with his first degree a Bachelor of Science in Business Education May 28, 1947. While at Southern he participated in numerous activities but his most notable were as a sports announcer, as the editor of the Southern University Digest and, as a man of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorp-orated, duly being initiated into the Beta Sigma Chapter.

Upon completion of his initial education studies, he wed Marie Margaret Magee, July 20, 1947 and they remained faithfully committed to one another for 62 years, seven months and two days. From this union, four children were born: Cynthia Elida, Ellyson Frederick Jr., Rory Derek and Reginald Ulric.

After their marriage, they joined Winan United Methodist Church. He remained a faithful member throughout his life serving as a trustee, treasurer, legal advisor, building fund and other committee appointments.

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In September 1947, he entered the Southern University School of Law as one of the first African American law students in the state of Louisiana as a result of the successful lawsuit against the Louisiana State Board of Education. With his new wife, he migrated to Baton Rouge, La. After completing his legal studies, on May 24, 1950, he graduated and was conferred a Juris Doctor Degree. Later in 1950, he became one of the first African Americans to be admitted to the State Bar of Louisiana and began his legal practice in Washington Parish and Franklinton.

After completing his law studies, he was employed by the Washington Parish School Board as an educator until his retirement in 1977. During his career as an educator, he taught elementary, high school, adult education and served as a coach at the Black Jack School in Hackley, Washington Parish High School and Franklinton High School. He taught hundreds of students who fondly referred to him as “Mr. D”. His favorite subjects were World, American and African American history. During this period, he also announced Washington Parish football games, refereed basketball games and served as a sponsor of numerous activities including Boy and Explorer Scouts. He prepared tax returns and provided tax representation for many years.

January 20, 1971, he received a Master of Education Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. He did further advanced coursework at Southeastern Louisiana University and Louisiana State University.

Many years of his life he served as a member of the Eureka Lodge No. 27 of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Louisiana. He served as Past Worshipful Master and was a life member.

During his political career, he was one of the first African Americans to file and campaign for elective office in Washington Parish. Though not successful, his campaign was the predecessor for other successful candidates.

Throughout his legal career, he provided countless hours of pro bono services to the indigent, relatives and friends. During the Civil Rights Era and forced integration, he provided counsel and legal services during a time of shootings, cross burnings and mayhem in Washington Parish.

Upon retirement, he refocused his energies and commitment to his family. During his life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, was an avid reader, watching sports, storytelling, writing and just simply talking.

The memorial service will be Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 11 a.m. promptly at Winan United Methodist Church located at 622 18th Avenue in Franklinton, with the Reverend Bruce Brown officiating and the Reverend Terrence August will deliver the eulogy.

The survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Marie Margaret Magee Dyson; one daughter, Cynthia Elida Dyson McCant (Ellis) of Hanford, Calif., three sons: Ellyson F. “Rick” Dyson Jr. (Charmaine), of Missouri City, Texas, Rory Derek Dyson of Houston, Texas and Reginald Ulric Dyson (Devoria “Becky”) of Missouri City, Texas; seven grand children: Ellyson F. Dyson III of Houston, William Remington Dyson of Chicago, Evan Carrollton McCant and Errol Carrellis McCant of Hanford, Rejhi Fletcher Dyson, Angela Charmaine Marie Dyson and Amanda Marredith Dyson of Missouri City; a loving sister, Myrtle C. Dyson Johnson (Walter) of Franklinton; two sisters-in-law, Fredericka Carter of Albuquerque, N.M. and Freda Magee of Franklinton; an uncle, Ollie Dyson of Franklinton; one God child, Kathy Taylor Walton (Reggie) of Los Angeles; Rocky Dog Dyson of Franklinton and Missouri City and a host of devoted nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be immediately prior to the service and at the repast immediately following the memorial service in the Winan United Methodist Church Education Building.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations made to the Ellyson F. Dyson Memorial Scholarship Fund (c/o: Whitney Bank, 939 Cleveland Street, Franklinton, LA 70438, Account #: 316296).