Dyson, Roland Alexander
Birth: Wednesday, November 18, 1931
Residence: Port Tobacco, MD
Death: Friday, November 19, 2021 at the age of 90
Laid to Rest: Friday, December 03, 2021
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Roland Alexander Dyson, affectionately called "Pops", age 90, peacefully departed to eternal life on Friday, November 19, 2021, while at home in Port Tobacco, Maryland, surrounded by the love of his devoted family. Roland was a very well-known man and loved by many.

Roland, one of 10 children, was born to the late Robert Alexander Dyson, Sr. (1887-1939) and the late Anna Christiana Mills-Dyson (1890-1971) in Charles County, Maryland. He grew up in Bel Alton, was educated in the Charles County Public School system, and was a lifelong resident of Charles County.

He was drafted in the United States Army on February 19, 1952, and was honorably discharged having attained the rank of Corporal on January 26, 1954. During this time he earned the Occupational Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, all acquired while stationed in Germany.

It was 1953, on Easter Sunday morning at St. Ignatius Church in Chapel Point that Roland met Celestine for the first time. When he saw her it was love at first sight and she too had found her soulmate. Memories of their two-year courtship included going to the beach, movies and baseball games. The couple loved to dance and would often double date with Mary C. and Austin. Songs like "I Want to Walk you Home", "Walking to New Orleans", "You are My Shining Star", and "Always and Forever" were songs that they enjoyed sharing a dance to.

As a master mechanic Roland worked extremely long hours to financially support his family. Additionally in 1968, he later joined the Charles County Sheriff's Office and was sworn in as one of the first African American Charles County Sheriff's deputies. He retired as a Sergeant after 21 years of distinguished service.

As an entrepreneur Roland started the Dyson Bus Service business during the 1970-1971 school year. He and his family worked to expand the business to be three different companies.

During the early years of operating the bus business, the family pulled together to help Pops do maintenance on the bus fleet, clean, wash and wax all of them – top to bottom! Also in those early years, the young grandchildren have fond memories of Pops teaching them and showing them how to change bus tires, check brake and rotor pads, oil, and even drive the bus. He would pay them with small dollar amount checks, and it was told they would all pile into the Nissan Pathfinder to go cash their little checks at the local bank. He took pride in teaching them life lessons and knowing how to do things as an adult.

Pops was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPlata, Maryland, where he was a dedicated Lead Usher. Every Sunday morning you could always count on seeing him and Celestine seated in their usual pew and they always enjoyed seeing family members join them by surprise. After Mass he enjoyed going out to brunch with the family.

Pops enjoyed teaching all of his children the game of poker. Whenever there were family gatherings and cookouts, you could always expect it to culminate with an intense lively game of poker. Not only did his children play with him but it also included some routine players – nephews and niece joining in – Leroy, Chilly, Chris, Nace, Snorter, Crow, Flipper, and Mary Lou – and any other guests who dared to sit at the table to meet their inevitable defeat!

In addition to teaching his children the game of poker, he also taught the children how to eat Maryland blue crabs. You had to be a quick learner of the skill because he was not about to show you how to do it a second time. He had a strong enthusiasm for enjoying eating crabs with the family.

Pops thoroughly enjoyed his morning coffee sitting at the kitchen table and having conversations with any of the family members who happened to be there. Some of us knew he secretly gave sips of coffee to several of his young grandchildren along with giving them sips of wine, champagne, beer and Jack Daniels -- guess these acts were some of his guiltless joys of life!!

It should be mentioned that Pops would have cravings for a variety of foods from seafood to of course Mom's home-cooked meals to many of us receiving a phone call to go to Bob Evans and pick up six biscuits and a quart of sausage gravy, just to name a few. However, we all know he mostly enjoyed his sweets – namely Kit-Kat bars. His sweet tooth would have him often call upon his special niece, Pamela Lynn and actually sing the jingle to her…."break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar"!!

Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Alexander Dyson, Sr and Anna Christiana Mills-Dyson, who were parishioners of St. Ignatius Catholic Church-Chapel Point, which was the original family parish; three brothers: Robert, Edward, and Matthew Dyson; six sisters: Gladys Dyson, Dorothy Thompson, Helen Dyson, Margaret Gant, Catherine Jones, and Mary Bernice Chisley; and grandson: Justin Dyson.

Cherished memories are treasured with his wife of 66 loving years, Celestine – "C" as he affectionately called her; six wonderful children – son, Stephen; twin daughters, Deborah and Danita; daughter, Phyllis; son, Jeffery; and son, Derek; two sons-in-law, Barry Wilson and Gregory Jackson; two daughters-in-law, Renee Dyson and Megan Dyson; 12 beautiful grandchildren and 17 vivacious great-grandchildren.

Roland shared the love of a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

He had a special bond for his nephew, Leroy Wills and close friend of the family, Francis Savoy – both who are dedicated, loyal employees of the family business. In addition to maintaining a dedicated staff of bus drivers throughout the successful tenure of the company.

Roland's greatest contribution is the ones he leaves behind to carry on his legacy!

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested remembrances to be made in the form of contributions to the Catholic Charities Angel's Watch Shelter Hughesville. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Viewing 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Prayers, 6:00pm, Thursday, December 2nd, Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Tributes 9:00am until Mass, 10:00am, Friday, December 3rd, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, LaPlata, Maryland. Interment, St. Ignatius Catholic Church Cemetery, Chapel Point, Maryland.


Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.

Thursday, December 02, 2021
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
3439 Livingston Road
Indian Head, Maryland 20640

Prayer Service
Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.

Thursday, December 02, 2021
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
3439 Livingston Road
Indian Head, Maryland 20640

Tributes
Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Friday, December 03, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
201 St. Mary's Avenue
La Plata, Maryland 20646

Mass of Christian Burial
Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Friday, December 03, 2021
10:00 AM
201 St. Mary's Avenue
La Plata, Maryland 20646

Interment
St. Ignatius Catholic Church Chapel Point

Friday, December 03, 2021
12:00 PM
8855 Chapel Point Road
Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677
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