Joseph Tyler Obituary

Joseph Layton Tyler, Jr. , 64, resident of Maplewood Health Care Center , Jackson, TN, went to his heavenly home after a short illness, January 18 , 2020 .

Born in Memphis, TN , Joe graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1974. He attended The University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University ) and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (formerly Memphis Area Vocational Technical School).

Joe developed an interest in astronomy and photography in his early teens . Many nights were spent photographing celestial bodies. In the 8 th grade, he participated in the Shelby County Science Fair with his project, "Objects in Space." He even saw an undiscovered comet one night. Besides, astronomy, Joe read many books on photography and took photography classes in college and vo-tech school . He received a Special Merit Award of $100 for his 1973 entr y and a Certificate of Merit for his 1979 entry in the Kodak International Newspaper Snapshot Awards through The Commercial Appeal . Joe's Midsouth Fair snapshots were featured in Mid-South , The Commercial Appeal , Sunday , October 12, 1980 . He was one of 100 winners of Eastman Kodak , "Young America Photography Contest." His snapshot was featured in Parade , The Commercial Appeal , Sunday , December 10, 1989 , displayed at Walt Disney World Epcot Center and exhibited on a national tour. In 1990, the same snapshot was included in the book, A Pictorial Celebration: Young America .

Unfortunately, mental illness ended Joe's dreams of becoming a photojournalist. The progression of mental illness and then , the development of dementia , took their toll on Joe. He spent the last twe nty years of his life in mental institutions, group homes, and skilled nursing facilities requiring care 24 hours , 7 days a week .

Joe was predeceased by hi s parents, Joseph L. Tyler, Sr. and Jane M. Tyler, and his sister, Barbara Copeland . He is survived by his sisters, Damaris Olsen of Knoxville, TN and Debora (William) Walker of Olive Branch, M S, nephews, niece, great - nephew, and great- niece .

Our family deeply appreciate s the exceptional care given to Joe by Maplewood Health Care Center and Hospice of West Tennessee at Jackson.

The funeral will be Thursday, January 30, 2020 with visitation from 1-2 P.M. and the chapel service to follow from 2-3 P.M. at Forest Hill Midtown.

Memorials may be made to Gracewood Baptist Church 's Bus Fund, 8551 Getwell Rd, Southaven, MS 38672 , 662 -393-2549 , www.gracewoodbaptist.org/ or Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ .