Thomas "Tom" Sidney Hyde Jr.

He was born on January 26th, 1957, in Russellville Alabama to the late Verna Beth and Tommy Hyde, he was the oldest of their 3 children. Raised in Russellville he was a proud trombone player in The Marching 100 at RHS and graduated class of 1975. He attended the University of North Alabama. Some of his first jobs included working in Russellville the city that he loved at their local jewelry store and at WKAX Radio Station. He served his community well over the years, as President of the Russellville Jaycees, as Alabama Jaycees District Director, on Russellville’s City Council and was proud to be selected Outstanding Young Man of America, 1979.

Tom went on to have a highly successful career that spanned over two decades first in fine jewelry management at Bloomingdales, and Bailey Banks & Biddle. Then he later went on to achieve Market Manager status at LifeWay Christian Stores. Tom had a strong work ethic and always strived to provide the best customer service. His philosophy was: “The importance of listening is crucial to not only make the sale, but to build the relationship that will last long after the sale.”

In 1996 while at Bailey Banks & Biddle in Lone Tree, Colorado Tom met the love of his life Gwen. They married in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on July 26th, 1997. The Lord blessed them with 2 beautiful daughters who were his pride and joy. They lived a life full of adventure, moving to 7 states, with Tom living in a total of 10. While Alabama will always be his home, Texas held a special place in his heart. Tom and his family spent a total of ten years living in Frisco, Texas. This is where his daughters spent their formative years, they bought their first house together, and they were members of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. He enjoyed serving in their children’s ministry specifically on Wednesday nights at AWANAS.

Tom loved people, never met a stranger, and always found a common thread within conversations. He came to know the Lord at an early age. In 2021 he became a founding member of The Church at Old Town in Helena, Alabama. It was his great faith that compelled him to share it wherever he went. Publix was a favorite mission field; he would stop to talk to everyone he encountered, often asking if they had a church home and if not, he would invite them to his.

Tom was preceded in death by Thomas (Tommy) Sidney Hyde, Sr (Father), Verna Beth Hyde Bradley (Mother), Wilburn Bradley (Stepfather), Robert Hyde (Brother), and Larry Williams (Brother-In-Law).

Tom is survived by his wife, Gwen Perniciaro Hyde, his daughters, Madison Hyde, and Lindsay Hyde, his sister Harriett Hyde Williams, his nieces and nephews, Kristina Knight (Jonathan), Kelly Partrich (David), Cameron Williams, Elizabeth Hyde Leard, and Daniel Hyde, and many great nieces and nephews and great great nieces.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Enhabit Home Heath Therapists, especially Alisha, Mandy, and Brittney, for their encouragement, expertise, and consistent care.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, April 17th, 2026, at The Church at Old Town in Helena, Alabama. Visitation will take place from 12:00-1:00 pm, followed by the service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Josh Knierim will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Church at Old Town in Tom’s memory.

Tom was a Big guy, with a Big personality, and a Big heart for others. He leaves a Big hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him, but we know there will be a BIG celebration in Heaven when we see him again.