Harold G. Hyer

On February 15, 2023; we lost our beloved father, a devoted companion, and a best friend. Harold ‘Pop’ or ‘Pop-Pop’ was born in Big Otter, West Virginia in 1940. Pop lived with his sister Sally and brother-in-law Daril Crislip for a short time in Gassaway, West Virginia before enlisting in the Navy. After his discharge from the service he lived in and around Washington D.C. finding his career employment as a Freight Salesman for trucking companies. Pop met his wife Peggy Jo Weaver and they were married on July 23, 1961 and began their family. After having 4 children; Tommy Glen 1962, Timothy Greg 1964, Tricia Gayle 1970, and Todd Graham 1973 – Pop moved the family to Fallston, Maryland in 1977 where he lived for over 45 years. Pop had a vibrant and cheerful demeanor that endeared him to nearly everyone he met. From close friends to perfect strangers, Pop’s charm left an enduring mark on all of us.

Pop’s first love was cars. One of his first jobs was detailing cars as he loved a sharp, clean looking car from the old classics to the modern day, especially if they were fast! Naturally, he also had a love of motorcycles and was a fearless rider and was quite literally ‘Born to Ride’. He traveled up and down the east coast going to various bike weeks, extended rides into the mountains, and camping with friends in the state parks around Maryland. He owned several cars and motorcycles over the course of years and was always looking to upgrade his garage!

Pop’s favorite activity was golfing with family and friends. Although Pop generally lost his balls rather than putting them in the hole, there was nothing he enjoyed more than golfing on a nice day and having a cold beer with his kids, his niece Phyllis, or his best friends. Later in life, Pop became an enthusiastic traveler and adventurer. His beloved companion Katy Wolfe, helped to introduce and encourage him to visit new places and friends where he spread more of his infectious personality.

Pop served in the community upon his semi-retirement, as he loved his part-time job and Toyota family at Bill Kidd’s. He served as a local election official for many years. Pop was also a member of the local American Legion Post #39 where he was honored to assist in the weekly operations and functions for Veterans. Pop was also proud and honored to serve with his motorcycle band of brothers, the American Legion Riders Post #39. The group helps to fundraise for Veterans of the Post, support the community, and enjoy planned rides together throughout the season.

Pop is survived by his 4 children and their wives/husbands: Tommy Glen and Corina of Amarillo, Texas; Timothy Greg of Plymouth, Massachusetts; Tricia Gayle and Stephen Grabeel of Gordonsville, Virginia; and Todd Graham and Kristen of Louisa, Virginia. Survivors also include his grandchildren who he loved dearly: Colleen McGovern Hyer, Jacob Howard Grabeel, Thomas Jonathan Hyer, Erin Ashlyn Grabeel, Kendall Brooke Hyer, and Meghan Riley Hyer. Pop is preceded in death by his wife Peggy Jo Hyer, parents James and Dora, brothers James, Charles, Robert & William, sisters Elinor Young and Marjorie “Sally” Crislip.

Pop also is survived by his beloved companion Katie Wolfe and her daughter Barbara Wolfe-Comer and husband Arty. He will be dearly missed by his ‘second’ daughter Kelly Martin Gilliam and her family. Pop’s dearest companions included the Poker Club members, his best pals Charlie and Linda Kirsch, his dearest friends and motorcycle partners - Bart & Marianne Rommel, and his longtime best friend the late Clayton ‘Jeff’ Jefferson. Harold will be missed by his many neighbors and numerous friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in Pop’s honor on April 1st, 2023, 2:30-5:30 at the American Legion Post # 39, located on 500 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, Maryland 21014. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Harold's memory may be made to American Legion Post # 39, 500 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, Maryland 21014.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Harold's memory may be made to American Legion Post # 39, 500 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, Maryland 21014 US, https://www.alpost39.org/; and Salvation Army, PO Box 309, Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078 US, www.sa-md.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.schimunek-belair.com for the Hyer family.