Judge John C. Tyson III

Judge John C. Tyson III, retired Alabama Supreme Court Justice, died naturally in his home Friday evening to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ. John, born October 7, 1926, served his nation, the State of Alabama, his church and community, and his family with the same energetic dedication throughout his life. John enlisted in the United States Coast Guard during World War II at age 17. He served in European waters on the USS Klickitat and USS English. Following victory in the war, John entered the University of Alabama, earning his B.S. and L.L.B. degrees.

He was an attorney with Tyson and Wampold in Montgomery. He served as Alabama Assistant Attorney General; Judge, Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals; Special Justice, Alabama Supreme Court, and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics for 16 years. Judge Tyson always said, “I feel like a judge has a responsibility to the public to keep them abreast of the courts and their activities, and to let them know of the work which judges undertake and the problems they encounter. A judge must also be a good teacher.” Judge Tyson lectured at the University of Alabama for 10 years.

Judge Tyson, an Eagle Scout, began his church service as an acolyte at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, became a vestryman at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Montgomery, and taught Sunday School for over 20 years. Judge Tyson served in numerous organizations within the community to include the president of Alabama and Montgomery chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution, president and trustee of the Society of Pioneers of Montgomery, the Montgomery Kiwanis Club, the board of the Montgomery YMCA, the Alabama National Fair, among others. John was a lifelong member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Alabama.

John Tyson was previously married to the former Mae Martin Bryant who preceded him in death. John later married the former Mary Ellen Cerniglia who brought him great joy in his senior years. Judge Tyson is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, his children, Marc Tyson and Mary Harmon Moman, and four grandchildren, with numerous cousins throughout the State of Alabama and Texas.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, November 8th at Oakwood Cemetery at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Christ Church XP, Montgomery, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Online condolences may be made at: www.leak-mc.com.