On October 16th, 2024, our world lost a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather. Gerald “Jerry” L. Hyde, Colonel O-6, US Army, (Retired) passed away at Mease Countryside Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carol, sons Rodney and Jerry (Judy), stepsons Michael (Kim) Couch and Jeffrey (Carol) Couch. He was Papa to Jerad, Britany, Christyan, Russel, Joshua, Morgan, Spencer, Sawyer, Taylor, Mickey, Marnie, Brock, Brooks and great grandchildren Annalynn and Melody. He adored the grandchildren and rarely missed a ball game. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughters Stacy Wilson, Cindi Hertlein, and son Gorden.
Jerry was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on September 20, 1930. He was adopted as a baby by Charles and Agnes Hyde. He always told his buddies that he was chosen, not a mistake. His father died when he was 10 years old. He always had a job to help his mother starting as a paper boy. While in High School, he worked at a steel mill while still playing football and basketball. He never forgot his humble beginnings.
He attended St. Patrick’s School, then on to Central Catholic High School in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After graduation he went to Indiana University playing football for one semester. He was then recruited by the University of Tennessee where he played football on the 1951 National Championship team coached by Robert Neyland.
After graduation he started his teaching career in Lake City, Florida. From Lake city, he moved to Clearwater where he was a Coach, Dean of boys, and Assistant Principal at Clearwater High School for 30 years. He was always available to help anyone and changed many lives.
While at the University of Tennessee he was in ROTC where he received a medal for Distinguished Military Student. After graduation he served for 2 years at Ft. Bliss, Texas. While at Clearwater High he was encouraged to join the Army Reserves. He earned his Special Forces Green Beret and became the Commanding Officer of the SF Battalion out of Miami. He loved the military and served for 27 years, retiring as a full-bird Colonel. He had 300 jumps as a paratrooper out of a “perfectly good airplane”.
As his final gift, Jerry donated his body to the Anatomical Board at the University of Florida. As per his wishes, there will be no services at this time.
If you would like to remember him, please donate to Tunnel to Towers or Wounded Warrior Project.
He will be forever missed.
Please accept my condolences at the passing of Jerry. Carol, I hope to see you out walking again, I know Jerry was the light in your life and I’m sorry for his passing.
Remembering Jerry with such fondness for he was such a kind and gentle soul. He made my years at Clearwater High so fulfilling. Always with a smile, encouraging all and dedicated to bringing out the best in his students. Sending love and many prayers to Carol.