Steven Royce Hyder, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center after a year of challenging health problems. Steve was born on February 28, 1947, in Elizabethton, Tennessee, a son of the late Arnold Hyder and Nadine Simerly Hyder Lambert. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Dickie Joel Hyder.
He graduated from Happy Valley High School in 1965 where he played basketball. He served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Boatswains Mate in the Vietnam conflict from 1966-67 primarily on the USS Forestal. He retired from Eastman Chemical Company in 2000 where he was a Powerhouse Mechanic. After his retirement he devoted himself to farming on Gap Creek.
Mr. Hyder served on the Carter County School Board. He also served as President of the Happy Valley Boosters Club. He coached multiple athlete teams. In one season, he and Richard Whitson coached the Lady Warriors to an undefeated 32-0 record. He was of the Full Gospel Faith. For many years he worked in the Jubilee Prison Ministries and also participated in Kairos Ministry.
He is survived by his companion and caretaker, Melinda Page; his son, Steven Ray Hyder (Melinda); and a daughter, Stacy Hyder Reece and their mother, Judy Ledford Hyder. He treasured being a papaw to his grandchildren, Leah Hyder (Rusty Pope), Zackery Hyder (Jordan), Elizabeth Reece (Megan Jepson), Eli Reece, Autumn Reese and Alexis Reece; and six great grandchildren.
At his request, no services will be held.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the Johnson City Fire Department Station 5 for their assistance throughout the past year and to the Medical Staff in ICU4 at Bristol Regional Medical Center for all the love and care that was shown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Happy Valley High School basketball program.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Steven Royce Hyder and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
