Herbert Lee Hyde
December 12, 1925 ~ October 15, 2006
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Herbert Lee Hyde, 80, of 30 Hartshorn Dr., Asheville, went to be with his Lord, Sunday, October 15, 2006 at the John F. Keever Solace Center.
Mr. Hyde was born on December 12, 1925 to the late Ervin and Alice Medlin Hyde. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Walter S. Hyde and Barnell D. Hyde, and sisters, Helen and Mary Alice Hyde.
Mr. Hyde joined the US Navy in 1941 and served in the Pacific with Naval Intelligence. In 1947, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Later that year, he entered Western Carolina University where he served as president of the student body and editor of the college newspaper. After graduating from Western Carolina University in 1951, Herbert became the first person from North Carolina to receive the “Root Tilden” scholarship to New York University Law School. He graduated from NYU in 1954.
He began his law practice in Asheville with the law firm of Harkins, Van Winkle, Walton, Starnes and Hyde, where he served for 25 years. He has been in sole practice for the past 27 years.
Mr. Hyde was elected to the NC State Senate and served from 1964 through 1966 and 1991 through 1995. He also served the NC House from 1972 through 1976, during which time he was instrumental in enacting legislation that has affected women’s rights, the environment, as well as education.
He was a devoted spokesman for mountain people and was dedicated to improving life and safety for all people of North Carolina.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathryn “Kitty” Long Hyde; daughters, Deborah Hyde Cannon and husband Sam; Dale Lynn Wheeler and husband Steve, Dr. Karen Hyde Weissman and husband Dr. Bill Danaher, and Jane Hyde Kordish and husband Capt. Adam Kordish; sons, Benjamin W. Hyde and William Garrett Hyde; sisters, Irene Crisp and husband Clinton J., and Elizabeth Sue Hyde; brothers, Carroll W. Hyde, and Luke D. Hyde and wife Leila Tevett; and grandchildren, Charles Herbert Hyde Cannon, Leonard Vance Hyde Cannon, David Hunter Hamerick, Amanda Lucy Hamerick, and Joseph Garrett Weissman, along with several nieces and nephews.
In 1979, Governor Jim Hunt named him Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety. His services to the Democratic Party has been life-long. He served as Chairman for Precinct #45, Buncombe County Democratic Party, 11th Congressional District and NC State Party. He was named one of fifty of the most influential citizens in WNC in the 20th Century by the Asheville Citizen-Times. He was listed in Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, Who’s Who in American Trail Lawyers, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World. Herbert was inducted into the American Colege of Trial Lawyers in September, 1995.
As author of the following books, Genuine Hyde, My Home is in the Smoky Mountains, Of Truth and Freedom, Living and Learning Just Natural, and Mountain Speaking, he was able to reflect his roots. He also wrote “The Cold Icey Waters of Swain” and could sing it on request, as well as his poem “Odd Stand-Off, Head or Tails." Herbert and Kitty have served for almost a half a century as members of Calvary Baptist Church.
Herbert chaired many church committees and served as deacon several terms. He loved his church family very much.
As a mountain man who was widely loved and respected, who would often quote Will Rogers, Mark Twain, and William Shakespeare, and who loved his Lord very much, his influence will long be remembered.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Buddy Corbin officiating.
Contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 531 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
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Please know my thoughts and prayers are with and your family. If there is anything I can do please let me know (277-7866).
Through Faith,
Vickie Whitlatch
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
A very fine man, lawyer and representative. I saw him in action in court, in the legislature and in CLE classes. I wish his family well.
Mr. Hyde was the embodiment of professionalism. He was a true gentleman lawyer and a role model to hundreds of local attorneys. When asked a question, he would not only answer it but would add a wonderful story to illustrate his point. He will be sorely missed by our local Bar, and never replaced.
Kitty and family, I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can remember when I first joined Calvary and meeting Herbert in my Sunday School class. I loved to listen to his stories and to see and here the love of the lord in eyes and voice. Then there was Palm Sunday and Ashley sat behind the deacons and fanned Herbert during the service with her palm. He handled it with the grace he always showed Ashley. We will miss him. Kitty if you need anything please know that I am here. Love in Christ. Eve & Ashley Mills
My deepest sympathy to you, Mis’Kitty and all of your family. There will never be another Herbert Hyde. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed greatly by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
God bless you all
When I first started the practice of law, I began with the Van Winkle firm and Herbert Hyde. I count with great pride the opportunity to have practiced with Herbert and just last week was sharing Herbert stories. My thoughts and prayers are sent to Herbert’s family. The Lord has gained a great statesman, orator and professional.
I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Herbert was a true gentlemen and a great Democrat. He will be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. While our Democratic family mourns your loss, please know that Herbert Hyde will always live in our memories as a beacon of integrity, intelligence, wisdom, and wit. I know I will always remember him with a smile, and his very memory will lend me strength to strive for his ideals.
All of North Carolina benefited from Mr. Hyde’s service.
As we profited from his life, we are diminished by his loss.
His integrity, and his wit, and his generosity will serve as models for all of us left behind.
My condolences to the family of Mr. Hyde. My thoughts are with you as you share your goodbyes.
Barbara Maple
Herbert Hyde – A true son of the mountains who celebrated his heritage with wit and wisdom.
Kitty, and family, You know that you and your family are number one in my thoughts and prayers, you have all meant so much to me and my family, I will be in Franklin soon and will plan to see you then. Love and prayers, Lillian
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Kitty and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God bless and give you peace and comfort.
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Hyde was one of the greatest. You and your family will be in our prayers in the comming days ahead. With our Deepest Sympathy.
Sue and L. D.–I was saddened to read, in a wonderful tribute in today’s editorial pages of the Charlotte Observer, of Herbert’s death. I’ve always marveled at and admired the way all of you came from humble roots to make such fine citizens, and Herbert was one of those wonderful characters, full of wit and pithy wisdom, passion and common sense, whom those of us with high country roots so dearly love. Just know that my thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow, and take comfort and refuge in the knowledge that Herbert left his mark and did so wonderfully well. Jim Casada
Wishing you comfort and peace during this most difficult time.
Kitty and family,
Sorry to hear about Mr. Hyde’s passing, our prayers and thoughts are with you. If there’s any thing I can do, you know where to find me.
Shirley (Dorothy Kings Daughter)
Kitty and family
I was so sadden to hear of Hubb’s passing. Such a fine person always with a short story.Which I love to hear.I will miss him dearly.May God surround you with his arms for comfort during the next few days. And know I love you and if I can do anything for you let me know.I love you and your family.
Gods Grace
We were sad to read of Herb’s death in The Charlotte Observer and we share in the many kind things written about him. Herb and I were room-mates and we were neighbors in Boodleville. We have many good memories of those days in Cullowhee. Kitty, you and your family are in our prayers. Herb was truly a special person.
Mrs. Hyde and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious husband, father, grandfather, and brother. My prayers are with you all. God will give you comfort and peace, please lean upon Him.
He will be remembered by all of Swain county. Prayers and caring.
Mis Kitty’ and family,
Our love and deepest sympathy in the home going of Herbert. May God’s love enfold you and His peace surround you as you walk with Him during this time. Remember
you are walking through the valley
and not in the valley(Psalm 23)
Our prayers are with you and the family. We love you all,
Cecil & Linda Hopps
Dear Mrs. Hyde and Family,
As a fellow member of Calvary Baptist Church I share your loss. I have enjoyed talking to both of you at church. When I read Herbert’s obituary I was impressed by all his accomplishments. I especially enjoyed his coment printed in the newspaper that he was born in the same cabin he had built. He made a distinguished career for himself in law and now he is being honored again by being admitted into the presence of the Lord. We are all thankful for having known this fine man.
I worked with Representative Hyde in the General Assembly and found him to be a gentleman and a statesman. He was a joy to work with and the state has lost a true gem. Martha Lowrance
To Lynn and the entire family
I knew Herbert Hyde my whole life. Through my father Charlie Brooks forestry caretaker American Enka; through my sister Beverly Calvin; always the Democratic Party and from my school years with Lynn grades 1-6.
Mr. Hyde was a gentleman, an example of a person who lived his beliefs and an statesman of our Democratic Party.
My prayers are with you.
Frances Brooks Welch
Deb,
I am so sorry for your loss.My prayers are with you.
Love,
Misty
We were saddened to hear about the death of Mr. Hyde. We have enjoyed his company on many events over the years with our daughters and some of their activities and our shared friendship with Lizanne Vos, South Africa. His wit and stories we will carry with us as precious memories. Bob and Cathryn and family
I was saddened to learn of Herbert’s passing. He and my father, June Glenn, Jr. were friends and now they are together in heaven. I personally appreciate all he did for our state’s citizen and enjoyed his talks and book very much. There will never be another person like him. He will be greatly missed.
To the Herbert L. Hyde Family,
Herb was a dear friend, and served this state for many years, and in many capacities, with the greatest distinction. We in Swain County are proud to call him a native son and he will be sorely missed. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Sara and O’Neal
Dear Kitty and Family,
On behalf of our entire family, we want you to know how deeply saddened we are to learn of Herb’s death. We have all been richly blessed, not only by his service to state and community, but by our family friendship through the years. Please know you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Esther, Lane & Angie, & Family
My thoughts are with you, Kitty, and all your family at this time. I am grateful that I had the privilege of knowing Herb, who was a wonderful person. I was fortunate to have served as principal clerk of the House of Representatives when he served in the General Assembly. Whenever he spoke on any legislation, he held everyone’s attention. Since he was a ‘mountain man’, we had a special bond because I had relatives throughout WNC. Herb was a man a great integrity who served the people of our state with excellence. Jo Ann Smith
We have lost a great statesman. I feel very fortunate to have had such a good and loyal friend.
My deepest sympathies to the family,
Otto W. DeBruhl
Kitty, L. D. and family,
WNC has lost its greatest orator and statesman of our era. We share
your loss and offer our sincere
condolences.
We share with his family and others in the loss of a great statesman, lawyer, orator, and man of character. His legacy will live on.
Sincerely, John and Elaine Sutton and family
We miss him terribly.
Such sadness when a man as Herbert passes. Our state, our mountains, our heritage have lost a dear son. I am honored to have known such a man and to have called him a friend. Remember, Herbert helped build the log cabin he was born in. Goodbye Senator Hyde, and special blessings for his family and his many friends. I will cherish his many words and the memories he has given me.
I just recently heard of Senator Hyde’s passing. I will always have fond memories of working with the Senator when he was Chairman of the NC Democratic Party, he appointed me to the executive council. He will be greatly missed.
Dear Kitty,
I was so sorry to hear about Herb’s
death. He was one of my favorite’s
and I appreciated his listening to
my constant legal questions.
Please know of my prayers for you and your family during these days.
Love,
Paula Settle
Jane, we are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Howard and Jan