Billie Thomas Hyde passed on peacefully at home in Florence, AL on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. He was born on July 9, 1927, in Patton, AL, to Burrell Louis Hyde and Cora Jones Hyde. He married Lola Mae Gardner on November 26, 1945. They were married for 69 years and 6 days.
Bill was known for his winning smile and warm personality and was affectionately known as RED in his younger days. He served in the National Guard and the US Army in World War II. In 1962 he came to Florence with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as Branch Manager. After retirement from Metropolitan he had a Century 21 Real Estate office and also worked in sales with Clayton Homes and Ray Miller Buick and Crump Pontiac Mazda. His salesmanship won Bill many awards through the years. His genuine love for people won him many friends. He inspired and encouraged many young swimmers in his retirement years serving as assistant coach for local swim teams.
Bill is survived by his wife, Lola Mae Elizabeth Hyde, children Patricia Elizabeth Hyde Williams (Michael Stewart), Sheila Teresa Hyde Hart, Marcus Novie Hyde (Belinda) and Billie Thomas Hyde II (Lisa), sisters Bobbie Butler, Sue Gann, Marietta Hyde, Louis Hyde, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bill deeply loved his LORD Jesus, his family and church family. At his request, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Underwood Baptist Church’s Building Fund.
Memorial service will be at Underwood Baptist Church in Florence on Saturday, December 6, at 1:00 pm.
Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florence, directing
