Dr. Edward Bryan Tyson

KANNAPOLIS, NC—Dr. Edward Bryan Tyson, who loved education, his hometown, his family and friends, his church and Duke sports with great passion passed away May 8, 2026. He was 85.

The celebration of his life begins at 11 am, Saturday, May 16 at Central United Methodist Church, Concord, NC with reception following in the church’s Coltrane Room.

A native of Kannapolis, Dr. Tyson was born December 2, 1940 to Bryan Tyson and Virginia Tyson Garmon. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nancy Tyson; a son, Bryan Tyson (Shellie) of Mt. Pleasant, NC; a daughter, Brooke Tyson Hynes (Bob) of Milton, MA; and four grandchildren, Ryan and Riley Tyson, and Caleb and Jack Hynes. He was predeceased by his parents, and three sisters, Gwen Cavin, Jackie Fink and Libby Pressley.

Dr. Tyson dedicated his entire career to advancing public school education. He relished being part of a community of educators that included everyone who was employed by and supported local schools. His life-long interests in history, political science, current events, architecture and sports fueled his own educational pursuits. A graduate of A.L. Brown High School where he was student body president and was made a member of its Alumni Hall of Fame, Dr. Tyson graduated from Pfeiffer University (cum laude) and later received the Pheiffer Distinguished Alumni Award. He earned a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of Georgia and received his doctorate in education administration from Duke University.

He began his career as a history and English teacher at Mt. Pleasant High School, became a guidance counselor at East Mecklenburg High School, then returned to Cabarrus County Schools as a principal. He was selected as associate superintendent for the county schools and was forever grateful to have Dr. Jay Robinson and Dr. Joseph Fries as valued mentors and trusted friends.

In 1992, Dr. Tyson returned to his hometown to become superintendent of the Kannapolis City Schools System until his retirement in 2001. He especially enjoyed and was particularly proud of leading a turn-around of the system that the state had identified as low-performing and was in danger of merging with other systems. Through the determined efforts of many, including Associate Superintendent JoAnne Byerly and the dedicated school board, the system improved rapidly and within a few years every school in the system was honored by the state for exemplary growth in student achievement. Soon thereafter, Dr. Tyson successfully recommended that the school board establish the Kannapolis Education Foundation, which to this day continues to provide funding and other vital support for all the Kannapolis schools.

During his illustrious career, Dr. Tyson was named Educator of the Year by six different organizations, including Superintendent of the Year by his fellow superintendents and Professional Educator of the Year by the UNC Charlotte Graduate College of Education Leadership, where in retirement he was an adjunct professor. In retirement, he also consulted with the Leadership Group of the Carolinas and served on the Duke-Kannapolis Advisory Board for Project Baseline and the Duke Health Study.

From his beginning, his religious faith was an integral bedrock of his life. Over his lifetime he was an active member and leader at Trinity United Methodist, Mt. Pleasant United Methodist and Central United Methodist. And it was at church during his high school years, that Ed met his wife of 62 years, Nancy Moss. The two built a beautiful family together and enjoyed the company of dear friends. In their home, you would often find National Public Radio, jazz, the American standards or Beach music playing.

The Rotary Club was an important influence in his life because of the friendships made and Rotary International’s mission to eradicate polio worldwide. Ed was a polio survivor, contracting the disease at the age of 10 and spending a year in a polio hospital.

He was named Distinguished Rotarian of the Year and received the J. Carlyle Rutledge Lifetime Service Award from Kannapolis Rotary. He also received a lifetime Chamber of Commerce membership for constantly championing the mutual benefit to be gained from partnerships between public schools and the local business community.

To all who knew him, Ed Tyson was a good man who genuinely loved making connections with people, treating everyone—regardless of their station in life or circumstance—with dignity and respect. He embraced every chance to have conversations with people and learn about their life experiences. He was not shy about expressing his resolute belief in the importance of democracy and why support for public education is an essential pillar of American life and democracy.

In addition, Ed held strong and positive beliefs about personal and corporate integrity; excellent educational opportunities for all children especially those disadvantaged by any measure; a diverse and inclusive society; the equal value and respect of all people; and a political system where there is mutual respect and the willingness to reason together with civility for the greater good. In short, Ed Tyson lived by the power of faith, courage, perseverance and love.

For his children and their spouses, he led by example, building a foundation girded by courage and confidence to find their place in the world, and always providing support throughout their journey. His advice was often sought regarding how to best handle tricky situations at work or when making important life decisions. For his grandchildren, he enjoyed watching them grow up and teaching them the importance of self respect and the respect of others. He loved sports with special allegiance to Duke University and the New York Yankees, but his favorite athletes to watch were his four grandkids. They were the joys of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Kannapolis Education Foundation, Rotary Club’s Polio Eradication Project or Central United Methodist Church.