William "Bill" Pinkney Hyder's Obituary
William “Bill” P. Hyder, age 78, was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025. He was born on November 9th, 1946, in Spartanburg, South Carolina to P.R. and Bertha Hyder. In 1955, P.R., Bertha, Bill, and Pat moved to Gainesville, FL to be with family. Bill graduated from Gainesville High School in 1965. Soon after graduating high school, he volunteered to enlist in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 years old. Bill was later deployed to Vietnam to serve as a Transportation Specialist.
After returning home from the war, Bill met his lifelong love, Barbara, in 1972. They met at Mac’s Drive-In, where Barbara worked as a waitress and Bill delivered the restaurant's milk. They quickly knew they were meant to be together—beginning a lifelong journey side by side. Bill and Barbara were married on April 8th, 1972, in Gainesville, FL. Bill worked for Foremost as a Milk and Ice Cream Delivery Man for 42 years. Bill and Barbara were active members at Carol Estate’s Baptist Church of Gainesville, FL- which was also the church where they were married. In the earlier years, Bill drove the children's ministry church bus for Ridgeview Baptist Church. As a God-fearing man, he cherished his faith and family above all.
Bill was the most supportive family man, always showing up for every celebration, school event, and sporting game for his children and grandchildren. His presence was a constant reminder of his love and pride in his family. As a devoted Florida Gator fan, he was rarely seen without his Gator gear. Traveling was one of his and his wife’s greatest joys and together they explored the world through RV camping, cruises, and family road trips. Some of his favorite destinations included Alaska, Hawaii, and the many beautiful state parks they visited along the way. Throughout the years, Bill and Barbara built a lifetime of cherished memories—ones they were always eager to share with their family.
Some of Bill’s favorite moments were those spent with his growing family, where he was better known as “Dad” or “Papa”. He loved nothing more than gathering during holidays and life events to celebrate special moments with his favorite people. To know him was to love him— he was well known for his kind spirit and gentle heart, always showing up with a smile. Bill and Barbara were married for 54 beautiful years, where they raised their two daughters, Tammy and Patty, and their son, Troy. They shared eight grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Hyder; his children, Tammy Kennard (Harold), Patty English (Scott), and Troy Hyder (Rana); his grandchildren, Ashley Roberts (Pete), Kyle Kennard (Whitney), Katie Kennard, Trea Plasters (Annie), Kassidy Phelps (Austin), Logan Hyder, Taylor Johnson (Jacob), and Calli Hyder; his great-grandchildren, Tinlee, Lilias, Hadley, Khelani, Camden, Kymber, Remi Kaye, Lottie, and Bowden; his sister, Pat Neil (John); and multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, and his four-legged buddy Buster.
Bill was preceded in passing by his father and mother, P.R. and Bertha Hyder.
He stood for the values he believed in– faith, freedom, and hard work. Bill lived his life with honor, integrity, and unwavering love for his country. Tunnel To Towers, is an organization that supports the living of Veterans by building homes and fundraising. Tunnel To Towers, T2T, was an organization Bill felt strongly about supporting. If you feel led to continue Bill’s legacy of supporting his fellow veterans, please consider contributing to T2T through their website t2t.org.
Always our hero, always in our hearts.
Time for visitation with the family will be held at William-Thomas Funeral Home West on Friday, October 10th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. A military honored funeral service will be held at Forest Meadow Mausoleum Chapel (39th Ave. in Gainesville, FL) on Saturday, October 11th at 3:00pm. Followed with the Celebration of Life at The Women’s Club of High Springs from 4pm-8pm. Please visit Bill’s memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com
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