Brian Christopher “Chris” Tye, 73, of Cornelius, NC passed away on Monday, January 5th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-one years, Jeanette, their son Brian Alexander Tye (Heather),and granddaughter Kennedy Elizabeth Tye of Charlotte, NC; his brother Marc R. (Nancy) Tye of Mount Pleasant, SC; his sister Leslie Elizabeth (Lisa) Tye of Columbia, SC and his brother Michael Wayne (Marjory) Tye of Lyman, Wyoming in addition to many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Wayne Tye and Margaret Smithey Tye.
Chris was born in Columbia, SC on September 23, 1952. He graduated from AC Flora High School in 1970 and went on to attend the Citadel in Charleston, SC. He graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. In 1979, he earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.
Chris enjoyed an illustrious career of forty-three years at Fluor Corporation. He began as a project civil engineer and rose through the ranks to become the President of the Power Division. He served on the advisory boards of the School of Engineering at both the Citadel and Western Carolina University. In 2019, Chris was inducted into the Academy of
Engineers at the Citadel.
Some of his greatest passions were sailing, golfing, and vacationing with his family. Chris was a servant leader always putting others before himself. Despite his many talents and accomplishments, he was a humble man who exemplified the highest level of dignity in every aspect of his personal and professional life.
The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to all those who supported and cared for Chris during his illness, especially Marcus Bunch and Raphael Morales. They deeply appreciate the love, support, care, concern, and prayers they received from their family and friends during this most difficult time.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11:00am, at Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC, 29409. Please designate that you wish for your donation to be applied to the Tye Family Scholarship in memory of Chris Tye, Class of 74.
James Funeral Home is serving the Tye family. Memories and condolences may be shared online at https://www.JamesFuneralHomeLKN.com