Paul and Nancy Tyson

James Paul Tyson, 96, passed away on January 31, 2024, with his wife, Nancy, of almost 49 years by his side. He was born on November 17, 1927, in Bellevue, Texas to Olgie and Bertie Tyson.

Nancy Dean Elwell Tyson, 80, passed away on June 19, 2024. She was born on September 27, 1943, in San Angelo, Texas to Richard and Helen Elwell.

Paul and Nancy had a love story that lasted almost 49 years. It all started in 1972, as a blind date brought them together by mutual friends. At the time Paul was working in car sales and Nancy was working as a secretary while raising her young son, Richard “Scooter” Dean Watts. They dated for several years until they got married on June 9, 1975, during Paul’s lunch break and never looked back. They loved entertaining friends and family every chance they had. During their early years of marriage, they traveled to China and Spain, both spoke often of the memories they made during their adventures. Their home was filled with furniture, rugs, and artifacts they bought as a friendly reminder of their trips. They welcomed their son, James “Jamie” Tyson Jr, on November 12, 1978. The Tyson Family bought a home in North Arlington and made it theirs for 44 years. Those years were filled with much happiness and too many gatherings of family and friends to count. The Tyson household was the place to be. They always opened their arms and doors to everyone they knew. You were not just a guest in their home, you were family. As their sons grew older, they became second parents to many of their friends by hosting parties, wedding/baby showers and college football/TV show watching parties, always rooting on the “Longhorns.” They taught everyone the true meaning of doing for others.

Paul was a proud Veteran for his service in the US Army as a paratrooper in Hokkaido, Japan in 1946. After the service, he worked in the automobile industry and retired from David McDavid. Although he never fully retired, he sold cattle for several years, as well as, worked at Texas Motor Speedway in souvenir sales, where he was his own best “customer.” He also worked for JDA in the shipping department until his second retirement, again he never really “retired.” He enjoyed rooting for the Texas Longhorns, watching golf, and spending time with his family and friends. His constant energy and will to get things done will be deeply missed.

Nancy was at home raising her sons while they were growing up and then took a job as a secretary with American Eagle, where she continued to raise her family and work full time. She was highly active in St. Alban’s Episcopal Church with bible studies, ministries and she was also a big part of the Alter Guild, where she devoted many hours keeping the church ready for service. She retired from American Airlines in 2009 to help care for her mother, as well as, caring for her grandsons. She became a member of New World United Methodist Church, where she was active and stayed busy knitting and crocheting baby bonnets to donate to hospitals, as well as, knitting for family and friends.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Olgie and Bertie Tyson, brother Harvey, sister Midred Bounds, and nephew Andy Bounds. Survived by nephew Randy Bounds (Sandy), niece Paula Hancock (Michael) and nephew Stevie Bounds (Johanna), and eight great nieces and nephews.

Nancy is preceded in death by parents Richard Clark Elwell and Helen Runkle Elwell. Survived by sister Cindy McAlister (James), brother Richard Elwell, and six nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.

Paul and Nancy are survived by their sons James Paul Tyson Jr (Jennifer), Richard Dean Watts (Dionne), Grandchildren Richard Dylan Watts, Hailee Renee Nowlin (Wade), Cody Robert Watts, Clayton Wesley Smith, Jaxon Paul Tyson, Jacob Melve Tyson, and Great Grandchildren Kambri Kay Smith, Richard Asher Watts, and Cayson Wesley Smith.

Paul and Nancy’s love story continues in Eternity. Here on Earth, they are loved by all who met them. A joint service for Paul and Nancy will be on July 5th, 2024, at New World United Methodist Church at 9am, burial at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 11am.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family requests donations be made to New World United Methodist Church 2201 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX, 76012. 817-460-4212