Donald Allen Hyde

Known for having an infectious smile and a trademark “bear hug” greeting, Mr. Hyde’s interests ran the gamut from raising bonsai to painting, photography, and metalwork. He and his late wife, Dolores (“Dee”), spent tireless hours tending to their garden. He once quipped to a friend, “I dug the holes while she got to do the good stuff.”

Mr. Hyde’s friends and family were close-knit and marveled at his sense of humor, his love of life, and his ability to make the best of any situation.

“Don was such a good friend, always ready to help when needed. He was so talented, and could accomplish almost anything, said a close friend. “He enjoyed reading, traveling, and getting the most out of life each day. He will be missed every day, but he leaves us his example of a life well-lived.”

After serving in the Air Force between 1961 and 1965, Mr. Hyde returned to his home state of Alabama, where he would travel to schools and introduce students to a variety of wild animals. Caring for these young animals in his home, he would lecture the children on the importance of respecting wildlife and the protecting the environment.

Mr. Hyde then moved to Atlanta and later to Roswell. He was enchanted by the mountains of North Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They became his love and he spent countless time on his motorcycle exploring their roads and fire trails and observing the wildlife.

“He enjoyed the wind in his hair while boating and motorcycling in the mountains,” said his son, Robert.

Mr. Hyde is survived by his two sons, Ronald Hyde (Barbara) of Manchester, TN, and Robert Hyde (Tiffany) of Remlap, AL, and their stepsister, Kellye Jones (Danny) of Trussville, AL; his sister Gail Kennedy (John); his first wife, Helen Hyde and nine grandchildren, two nephews and his beloved dog, Lucky. He is predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Dolores.

Services are at 1 pm Sunday in the chapel of the Roswell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Wounded Warrior Project.