Ltc. (ret) William R. (Dick) Hyder of Crossville passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Dick was born September 24, 1947 in Pleasant Hill, TN. He is the son of Jeanette and the late Bill Hyder. He is survived by his wife Sharon, their two daughters Sherry Hyder Hales (Bobby) and Whitney Hyder Lowe, grandsons Braxton and Conor Lowe, Robert Hales, granddaughter Carson Hales, a sister Nancy Hyder, as well as extended family.
Ltc. Hyder was a drafted into the Army at 19 years of age and arrived in Vietnam at the age of 21. Over the course of 23 years, he achieved high recognition for his outstanding degree of professionalism, bravery and devotion to duty. Among his commendations are: The Silver Star for gallantry in action, The Bronze Star with V Device for acts of heroism in a combat zone, The Air Medal for meritorious achievement in aerial flight, The Army Commendation Medal, and The Combat Infantry Badge.
Following his military career he worked in Juvenile Probation and served as Cumberland County’s Youth Service Officer and later became the first Director of Personnel for the Cumberland County Board of Education. He enjoyed spending time at home, staying up to date on politics, reading and being “Papa” to his grandchildren.
He remained true to the sense of duty, discipline and patriotism he learned in the military as friends and family can attest.
Family will be receiving friends on Friday, March 4, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Post 9/11 Combat Memorial: Cumberland County Veterans Assistance Council 848 Livingston Road Suite 101 PMB 100 Crossville, TN 38555.
Sharon & family, their is not a time limit for grief, take all of the time you need. Dick did so many things for my family, we had great wonderful times together. His heart was kind and true.The special years will not return when we were all together, but the love within our hearts, you will walk with us forever. Fly high dear “Brother Col Dick” with Birdie, Papa Mac & Carolyn. You forever touched my life with so much laughter and joy!
Mary H Thompson
there, not their..leave it to “Little Mary”
Sad to hear of my good friend Dick Hiders’ passing. It brings my mortality closer. We where both Vietnam US Army Vets when our paths crossed in Germany in 1975. We both had a young family, and found our self in transits living My then wife Sheila and Sharon Hyder hit if off. Dick and I had Army jobs, we had things to do. We left them with the kids in small rooms to make do.. in a foreign land …oh well …Army life….Now, who could NOT love the Hyders with a mouth full of Tennessee love and all that country coming out. They loved people and Dick was the Man, War Hero ..prior enlisted Tanker an OCS Captain, and me a newly promoted E-6. Dick was a people leader, he knew how to be work both ends, never pulling rank or putting anyone down. We shared our lives for those 60 days and stayed close after… sharing holidays, birthday or just a kitchen “throw-downs” . Dick’s almost famous Lasagna, 6” thick with everything in it, boiled eggs and all…the best ever. When it was time for me to reenlist….Dick climbed a 300 foot -communication tower overlooking the City of Heidelberg, GE and swore me into another 6 years of Army Duty …what a beautiful view we shared. I became Dick’s official-unofficial NCO. I work as a shift lead at a Radio Station, 3 days on 3 days off. Disk was a Project Manager for the Dragon Rocket used by soldiers to kill tanks. He would take me with him to live shooting and I loved I!!!. Dick knew Soldiers!! They would not talk to him so he could get facts and/or pertinent information to improve the Dragon. He was an officer, yes sir! no sir!…but they spill their guts to me about everything bad, good or wrong, After 3 years out tour was over, I stay an extra year, then went about my Army career and so did Dick .. we talk a few times and girls shared X-mas cards and I did stop by Crossville and meet his dad Bill many years ago when I was still on active duty ….I love you , Dick Hyder… until me meet again
MSG Dave Tilton