Tyree Preston Felder II departed this earthly existence for a glorious eternal life with Jesus on April 30, 2003. His departure paralleled the peaceful existence he maintained. &uot;For those to whom much is given, much is required.&uot; Tyree entered this life without many of its material luxuries. However, God touched his life early and kindled his spirit with a rich love for life, mankind, service to others and sacrifice.

Tyree received his bachelor’s of science degree in building construction/commercial industries from the Tuskegee Institute in 1948 and his master’s of science degree in business management from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1970. Through his formal education and his spiritual upbringing, he served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Division, from 1948-1968; and his community through a host of organizations, some of which include: Tuskegee Institute Alumni, Task Force for Black Virginians, American Cancer Society, Adult Care Services (formerly Adult Development Center for Handicapped), Black Caucus-American Public Health Association, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Tyree retired from VCU as director of Equal Employment Opportunity Office/Affirmative Action Services, having served from 1968-1991. His love of travel allowed him to coordinate the annual reunions for the 501st Quartermaster Battalion (BJR) for 25 years. As a member of Gillfield Baptist Church since 1948, he worked untiringly, serving in multiple capacities.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 41 years, Muriel Diggs Felder; five daughters, Gladys Felder Washington (Lloyd) of Miramar, Fla.; Frankie O. Felder of Anderson, S.C.; Deborah Felder Schorlemmer of Kingston, Jamaica; Marva Felder Davis (Sudie) of Chicago; and Tyrelle Felder Rogers of Newport News; a sister and brother-in-law, Harvey and Joyce Diggs of Suffolk; 10 grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, &uot;children of choice&uot; and many friends who will miss him immensely.

Connecting Link and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home in Petersburg. Interment will be in City Point National Cemetery, Hopewell.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Tyree’s memory to the Gillfield Restoration Fund, 901 Perry St., Petersburg, Va. 23803

William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home is handling arrangements.