William Jesse "Bill" Tyler III, 83, Passes Away

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William "Bill" Jesse Tyler III, a longtime educator and minister in the Southeast, passed away peacefully at his home in Fletcher, North Carolina on February 23, 2026 at the age of 83. Tyler had a diverse career, working in banking, television, and education before dedicating much of his later life to ministry and community service.

Why it matters

Tyler's life story highlights the power of faith, family, and service to community. Despite facing setbacks early in his career, he found purpose through ministry and continued to make an impact through his work in education and community organizations until his retirement. His legacy lives on through his family, many of whom have also pursued careers in ministry and service.

The details

Tyler was born in Miami, Florida in 1942 and attended the Air Force Academy before returning to Miami to work in banking. In 1976, he moved his family to Atlanta, where he entered seminary and began a career in ministry, serving as a minister of education and singles minister before joining the staff of the Atlanta Union Rescue Mission. In 1998, Tyler and his wife Nancy moved to the Asheville, North Carolina area, where he worked in the local school systems as a janitor, special education assistant, and bus driver before retiring in 2015. Throughout his life, Tyler was known for his strong faith, voracious reading habits, and love of bridge, which he continued to play in tournaments even after retiring.

• Tyler was born on December 28, 1942 in Miami, Florida.
• He attended the Air Force Academy in his youth.
• In 1976, Tyler and his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia.
• In 1998, Tyler and his wife Nancy moved to the Asheville, North Carolina area.
• Tyler retired from the Henderson County Public Schools in 2015.

What’s next

No public services are scheduled at this time, but the family has requested that condolences and memories of Bill be sent to [email protected]