Dale Tyler

Dale Tyler passed away August 16, 2025, at her home in Water Valley, Mississippi at the age of 91, with her husband Bob fondly in her mind and heart and surrounded by her family. Born Eleanor Dale White on April 26, 1934, in Water Valley, MS. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Tyler, her parents Herman and Lillian White, and two brothers-in-law, James “Crip” Tyler and Gaylon Booker.

Dale attended Jeff Davis Schools before transferring to the Water Valley school system for her High School years. Upon graduating from Water Valley High School in 1952, she attended the Mississippi University for Women, then known as “The W”, and later received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi. After marrying Bob and following his service in the United States Army, she accepted a position at Water Valley High School and began her teaching career and a partnership with Bob focused on mentoring young men and women as they worked to build successful Football programs. After, Water Valley, she taught at Okolona, Corinth, and Senatobia. She took great pride in standing side by side with Bob as they pursued success on the field and tried to make a positive impact on students. Together they won many conference titles and back-to-back state championships at Meridian High School. When they entered the college football coaching path at Ole Miss and later at Alabama and Mississippi State, Dale stopped teaching high school to support Bob’s career and to focus on raising her three boys. While these years included many wins, bowl games, and awards, her greatest reward was always found in her children, family, and the relationships made with the young men and women they taught, coached, and led to the Lord.

In her post teaching and coaching years, Dale wore many hats as she supported her family and served her community. She attained her Real Estate license, served on the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, was a Charter member of the Town & County Garden Club and recipient of the club’s Luella Fair Community Service Award, recipient with her husband of the Braswell Hatcher Community Service award. Dale had a passion for Bible study and spent years teaching the ladies Sunshine Class at First Baptist Church Water Valley and practicing her lessons on Bob. She had a love for gardening and landscaping, as her neighbors saw her spend hours daily working in her yard and in the nearby Railroad Park. She was an avid Bridge player and belonged to multiple bridge clubs comprised of some of her best friends. She was an accomplished seamstress and crafter. Dale loved celebrating Christmas with family and was known for her efforts decorating her home each year to add to the festive atmosphere on Main Street, Water Valley. Above all, E.D., as she is affectionately known, loved attending and watching the many sporting and other events participated in by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Dale is survived by her children Breck (Denise) of Oxford, Mississippi, Cam (Julie) of Water Valley, Mississippi, and Drew (Jill) of Oxford, Mississippi; her grandchildren Whitney Windham (Will), Perryn Edwards (Charlie), Reed Tyler (Anna Mills), Lauren Dalton (Matt), Mary Madison Creasy (Neal), John Christopher Tyler, Caroline Tyler, Mckenzie Tyler; her great-grandchildren Lillian Edwards, Ozzie Edwards, Tyler Windham, Brecken Windham, Drew Windham, Ella Dalton, Brooks Dalton, Jack Dalton, and James Tyler.

Visitation is planned for Monday, August 18th from 10:30am to noon, followed by the Funeral Service at Noon, both at the Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. Graveside Service to immediately follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery on Blackmur Drive in Water Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc., 110 N. Carpenter Street, Chicago, IL 60607 or click here:

Ronald McDonald House Charities